By Charles Pemu 
The House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee investigating the dramatic increase in drug trafficking and alcohol abuse across the country has made a solemn commitment to ensure the safety and protection of Nigerian society by diligently working to unearth and prosecute all perpetrators.
In a decisive statement released on Sunday, the Committee Chairman, Rep. Timeyin Adelegbe (APC-Ondo), asserted that the lawmakers would resist any attempt to turn Nigeria into a “dumping ground for toxic products, illegal drugs, predatory advertising, and destructive business practices.”
The Committee’s mandate is a direct response to widespread public outcry, framing the issue as a “national emergency” touching on public health, youth safety, corporate accountability, and the integrity of regulatory systems.
Rep. Adelegbe clarified that the investigation is a patriotic exercise, not a “witch-hunt,” aimed at fulfilling the legislature’s constitutional duty to expose all forms of corporate and institutional misconduct contributing to the drug, alcohol, and tobacco abuse crisis. The focus remains on guaranteeing absolute compliance with Nigerian laws and ethical obligations by all companies operating in these sectors.
To gather comprehensive information and expert recommendations, the committee is organizing two major multi-stakeholder conferences:
- A Lagos-based event will focus heavily on the alcohol, tobacco, port terminals, and pharmaceutical industries.
- A subsequent conference in Abuja will center on inputs from government agencies, NGOs, CSOs, and regulatory bodies.
These high-level meetings are designed to serve as critical platforms for policy dialogue and the drafting of actionable legislative reforms.
Chairman Adelegbe issued a stern warning to all invited organizations, cautioning that any attempt to mislead the committee, conceal, or falsify information during the investigation will be treated as contempt of the National Assembly under Section 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). He reaffirmed the committee’s firm commitment to transparency and accountability throughout the proceedings.