The Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI) has called on Nigeria’s National Assembly to speed up the passage of the National Alcohol Control Policy Bill, arguing that the proposed law would strengthen the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)’s ongoing nationwide enforcement of the ban on alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and small polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles.

The appeal comes as NAFDAC enforcement teams begin operations across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, targeting markets, motor parks, bars, retail outlets and other distribution channels to identify, seize and remove the banned products from circulation.

Why it matters

The enforcement exercise is one of Nigeria’s most significant recent efforts to reduce access to inexpensive alcoholic drinks, particularly among young people.

Public health experts have long warned that alcohol abuse contributes to road crashes, violence, non-communicable diseases, poor mental health and lost economic productivity. Advocates also argue that low-cost alcohol packaged in sachets and small bottles makes alcohol more accessible to underage consumers and vulnerable groups.

The National Alcohol Control Policy Bill seeks to regulate the production, marketing and consumption of alcohol while reducing alcohol-related harm. It also aims to strengthen measures protecting children and adolescents.

The House of Representatives passed the Bill for second reading on 7 May 2026. Sponsored by Hon. Oluwatimehin Adelegbe, it is currently progressing through the legislative process.

RDI backs NAFDAC enforcement

In a statement issued in Lagos, RDI said lawmakers have a responsibility to complement NAFDAC’s enforcement efforts by ensuring the Bill becomes law before the end of the 10th National Assembly.

RDI Executive Director Philip Jakpor praised NAFDAC’s decision to begin enforcement.

“By matching words with action, NAFDAC has demonstrated its commitment to ridding the public space of harmful alcohol products and this would in turn improve public health outcomes especially among young people that the alcohol industry targets with their products. The National Assembly must no longer delay in playing it’s role.”

Jakpor argued that legislation would provide a stronger legal framework for sustaining alcohol control measures beyond the current enforcement campaign.

Calls for broader alcohol control measures

Beyond the ongoing ban, RDI urged the Federal Government to fully implement the World Health Organization’s SAFER technical package.

The WHO initiative recommends five key measures to reduce alcohol-related harm, including tighter restrictions on alcohol availability, stronger drink-driving enforcement, improved treatment services, restrictions on alcohol advertising and sponsorship, and higher alcohol prices through taxation.

According to RDI, these measures could significantly reduce the health, social and economic costs associated with harmful alcohol consumption.

Jakpor also suggested that sustained enforcement could improve household welfare.

“The ball is now in the court of the NASS. It must escalate work on the Bill so that the health and economic benefits of reducing underage drinking, youth addiction, and rising health burdens associated with alcohol would be met in a short time.”

He added that families could increasingly prioritise spending on essentials such as food and children’s education instead of alcohol if harmful products become less accessible.

Expert perspective

Public health specialists have consistently argued that reducing the availability, affordability and promotion of alcohol is among the most effective ways to lower alcohol-related disease and premature deaths.

They also note that legislation, combined with consistent enforcement and public education, is generally more effective than enforcement alone in changing long-term consumer behaviour.

Public and industry perspective

While health advocates have welcomed stricter alcohol controls, manufacturers, distributors and retailers may face increased compliance costs and potential losses as enforcement continues.

Some industry stakeholders have previously argued that regulation should be balanced with consumer education and adequate transition periods for affected businesses.

What happens next?

Attention now shifts to the National Assembly, where lawmakers will decide whether to accelerate consideration of the Alcohol Control Bill.

If eventually passed and signed into law, the legislation would provide Nigeria with a broader legal framework for regulating alcohol production, marketing and consumption while supporting agencies such as NAFDAC in enforcing alcohol control measures.

The Federal Government has pledged to intensify efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks, prevent substance abuse and improve access to treatment and rehabilitation as it opened the 2026 National Drug Use Summit in Abuja.

The commitment was announced on Wednesday by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the summit jointly organised by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

Represented by Permanent Secretary Dr. Adamu Ibrahim Kana, Akume said the government remained fully committed to tackling both the supply and demand sides of illicit drugs.

“On behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, and on behalf of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, I reaffirm our unwavering commitment to every initiative aimed at preventing illicit drug use, dismantling trafficking networks, expanding access to treatment and rehabilitation, and promoting the wellbeing of all Nigerians.”

He warned that drug abuse threatens national development, arguing that no country can achieve lasting prosperity while its young people battle addiction or criminal groups profit from illicit drug trafficking.

“No nation can achieve sustainable development when its young population is threatened by drug abuse and addiction… This summit presents a timely opportunity for us to renew our collective commitment, deepen our partnerships and chart a clear, coordinated pathway towards a healthier, safer and more resilient Nigeria.”

Akume added that the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda includes investments in stronger institutions, improved mental health services and programmes aimed at protecting young people from drug abuse.

Why it matters

Nigeria has witnessed growing concerns over drug abuse, especially among young people, while criminal syndicates continue to exploit vulnerable communities through drug trafficking.

Health experts say substance abuse contributes to mental illness, crime, unemployment, poor educational outcomes and family breakdown, making prevention and rehabilitation increasingly important for national development.

The summit aims to develop a coordinated National Action Plan involving government agencies, healthcare professionals, communities, religious leaders, civil society organisations and development partners.

NDLEA says drug problem requires national response

Chairman and Chief Executive of the NDLEA, retired Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the summit as a platform for collective action rather than another government meeting.

He said growing drug use and substance use disorders require collaboration across every sector because no single agency can solve the problem alone.

“The scale of this challenge demands a whole-of-government and whole-of-society response.”

Marwa said the summit would help build consensus around a coordinated National Action Plan focusing on prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, data collection, policy implementation and stronger community resilience.

NDLEA highlights major enforcement results

Marwa said the agency had intensified both enforcement and prevention efforts over the past 18 months.

According to him, NDLEA officers made 29,262 arrests, seized more than 5.3 million kilograms of illicit drugs valued at over ₦1.5 trillion, and secured 5,225 convictions.

He added that the agency conducted 6,645 awareness campaigns reaching nearly five million Nigerians, while 13,508 people received counselling, treatment and rehabilitation through 31 rehabilitation centres nationwide.

The NDLEA chairman also highlighted the agency’s Alternative Development Initiative, designed to help cannabis farmers transition from illegal cultivation to legitimate agricultural businesses.

Health ministry calls for measurable action

Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, said the success of the summit should be measured by improvements in people’s lives rather than conference resolutions.

“The measure of this summit will not be the communique. It will be the number of young people who choose not to start drugs. It will be the number of patients who sleep without pain. It will be the number of families restored.”

He pledged that the ministry would continue coordinating prevention, treatment and rehabilitation programmes with relevant stakeholders.

UN urges practical implementation

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime welcomed Nigeria’s collaborative approach but stressed that commitments must produce measurable outcomes.

Representing the UNODC Country Representative, Dr. Akanidomo Ibanga said Nigeria faces evolving drug trends that require evidence-based responses.

“This summit is therefore more than a convening. It is a moment of alignment… to translate that commitment into practical, measurable action.”

Expert perspective

Public health specialists say countries that combine strong law enforcement with accessible treatment, rehabilitation, public education and community support generally achieve better long-term results than those relying solely on arrests.

They note that reducing demand for illicit drugs is often as important as disrupting criminal supply chains, particularly among young people who are most vulnerable to addiction.

What happens next?

Participants from government ministries, security agencies, civil society organisations, development partners and non-governmental organisations are expected to develop recommendations that could strengthen Nigeria’s National Drug Control Master Plan.

Authorities hope the summit will produce coordinated actions capable of reducing drug abuse, improving rehabilitation services and weakening organised drug trafficking networks across the country.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State Command, has reaffirmed its commitment to combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking, joining the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other stakeholders to mark the 2026 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, also known as World Drug Day.

The event, held on Friday at the Federal Secretariat in Awka, brought together security agencies, educators, students and community leaders to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and encourage collective action.

Representing the State Commandant, Maku Olatunde, Deputy Commandant of Corps (DCC) Prominence Ukaobi said drug abuse poses a serious threat to national security, youth development and peaceful communities.

“As a Corps, we are not only protecting Critical National, State and Local Government Assets and Infrastructure, but we are also protecting our youths who are the future of this nation. When drugs destroy a young person, it weakens the society we are all sworn to protect.”

Why It Matters

Nigeria continues to face growing concerns over substance abuse, particularly among young people, prompting security agencies to intensify public awareness campaigns and strengthen enforcement against drug trafficking.

Experts say preventing drug abuse requires more than arrests. It also depends on education, family support, community engagement and sustained collaboration between government agencies and civil society.

Commandant Olatunde urged parents, school authorities and community leaders to become more vigilant in identifying early warning signs of drug abuse.

He stressed that open communication within families and encouraging young people to participate in productive activities remain effective ways to reduce vulnerability to drug use.

The NSCDC also pledged to continue working alongside the NDLEA on awareness campaigns in schools, motor parks and markets while supporting efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks across Anambra State.

NDLEA Calls for Collective Action

Also speaking during the event, Anambra State Commander of Narcotics, Charles Onubogu, said the agency would continue to strengthen efforts aimed at reducing both the demand for and supply of illicit drugs.

He noted that this year’s World Drug Day theme—”The World Drug Problem: Persisting Challenges, New Threats, and Innovative Responses”—highlights the need for fresh strategies in tackling evolving drug-related challenges.

“NDLEA cannot achieve a drug-free society alone.”

Commander Onubogu called on security agencies, the media, religious organisations, traditional institutions and community leaders to support efforts aimed at building a healthier and safer society.

Students Take Centre Stage

The World Drug Day celebration also featured a quiz competition involving selected secondary schools, educational lectures on the dangers of drug abuse and goodwill messages from participating stakeholders.

Organisers said engaging students directly is intended to encourage informed decision-making and reduce the risk of substance abuse among young people.

Industry and Public Perspective

Public health advocates have consistently argued that tackling drug abuse requires a combination of law enforcement, rehabilitation services, education and economic opportunities for young people.

Security analysts also believe stronger cooperation among agencies such as the NSCDC and NDLEA could improve intelligence sharing and strengthen efforts to disrupt organised drug trafficking networks.

What’s Next?

The NSCDC says it will continue collaborating with the NDLEA and other partners through public sensitisation campaigns and enforcement operations across Anambra State.

Authorities hope sustained awareness programmes and community partnerships will reduce drug abuse while protecting vulnerable youths from criminal networks.