In order to secure the safety and protection of society, the House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee looking into purported increases in drug trafficking and alcohol misuse has promised to find offenders and prosecute them.
Timeyin Adelegbe (APC-Ondo), the committee’s chairman, declared in a statement on Sunday that he would not permit Nigeria to turn into a landfill for harmful goods, illicit substances, predatory advertising, and detrimental commercial activities.
The congressman declared that the committee was still planning to organize a multi-stakeholder conference in Lagos state and Abuja to discuss and gather information from Nigerians on how to put an end to the threat.
He claims that this is in reaction to Nigerians’ public outcry for a national emergency that covers corporate responsibility, public health, youth safety, and the integrity of Nigeria’s trade and regulatory systems.
The committee is dedicated to fulfilling its constitutional mission to look into and reveal any corporate or institutional wrongdoing that contributes to the nation’s widespread drug, alcohol, and tobacco abuse.
“We have a clear mandate: we are to look into the behavior of businesses in the alcohol, tobacco, and drug industries and to make sure that all Nigerian laws, rules, and ethical commitments to the Nigerian people are strictly followed.
Evidence and data collection, public hearings, and a strategic forum conference with emphasis areas of government agencies, NGOs, CSOs, and regulatory authorities in Abuja and alcohol, tobacco, port terminals, and pharmaceutical industries in Lagos were all necessary for the committee’s work.
He stated, “The conferences will serve as platforms for policy discussion, expert recommendations, and the drafting of actionable resolutions for legislative reforms.”
In accordance with Section 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as modified), the chairman issued a warning that any attempt by invited organizations to deceive the committee, hide, or fabricate information during the investigation would be considered contempt of the National Assembly.
He reiterated the committee’s dedication to honesty, openness, and responsibility in its work.
Mr. Adelegbe clarified that the committee’s probe was a patriotic activity intended to safeguard Nigerians’ health and well-being and restore moral business practices in the nation, rather than a witch hunt.
“Toxic goods, illegal substances, aggressive advertising, and detrimental business methods must never be dumped in Nigeria. He declared, “This committee is steadfast in its defense of the Nigerian people.”
