Reps to consider Bill to regulate alcohol consumption

By Christiana Ekpa

The House of Representatives is set to consider a bill seeking to establish a national framework for the regulation and control of alcohol consumption in Nigeria as part of efforts to curb alcohol-related harm and strengthen public health governance.
The proposed legislation, titled “A Bill for an Act to Provide for the Control, Regulation and Reduction of Alcohol-Related Harm in Nigeria,” has already passed first reading in the House.
Sponsored by the Chairman of the House Adhoc Committee on Drug Trafficking, Tobacco and Alcohol Abuse, Hon. Oluwatimehin Adelegbe, the bill aims to regulate the production, importation, distribution, marketing and consumption of alcohol across the country, with special emphasis on protecting minors.
Speaking on the proposed legislation, Adelegbe described the bill as a timely intervention designed to address the growing social, economic and health challenges linked to alcohol abuse.
According to him, the legislation is not intended to prohibit alcohol consumption but to promote responsible use and strengthen accountability within the industry.
“This bill is not about prohibition; it is about protection, responsibility and national development. Nigeria must adopt a modern, evidence-based framework that safeguards young people while ensuring accountability within the alcohol industry,” he said.
The lawmaker disclosed that the bill followed extensive consultations with stakeholders, including government agencies, public health experts, civil society organisations, alcohol manufacturers and distributors.
He also revealed that A New Thing International Foundation, led by Ambassador Kenneth Anetor, provided technical support in drafting the bill.
Anetor, who serves as Lead Consultant to the House Committee on Drug Trafficking, Tobacco and Alcohol Abuse, said the proposed legislation marks a shift from reactive measures to preventive strategies in tackling alcohol-related issues.
“This legislation aligns Nigeria with global best practices while creating a balanced framework that protects public health and allows responsible industry participation,” he said.
If passed into law, the bill is expected to establish a comprehensive national alcohol control framework, tighten regulations on alcohol advertising and access particularly for minors strengthen public awareness campaigns and promote data-driven enforcement strategies.
Adelegbe further urged stakeholders in the alcohol industry to participate actively in the legislative process through committee engagements and public hearings to ensure balanced and sustainable regulations.
He added that the committee is also engaging non-governmental organisations, development partners and international agencies, describing the bill as a major milestone in Nigeria’s public health and policy reform efforts.
According to him, the initiative positions Nigeria as a leading voice in Africa’s evolving alcohol policy landscape and demonstrates the country’s readiness for stronger collaboration with global health institutions.