JUST IN: Nigerian Lawmakers Move To Uncover Drug Trafficking Networks

To safeguard 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 dumping ground for harmful goods, illicit substances, deceptive advertising, and detrimental business practices.

The congressman said that the committee was still planning to organize a multi-stakeholder meeting in Lagos state and Abuja to discuss and gather information from Nigerians regarding how to put an end to the threat.

He claims that this is a 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 and institutional wrongdoing that contributes to the nation’s widespread drug, alcohol, and tobacco consumption.

“We have a clear mandate: we are to look into the behavior of businesses involved in the drug, alcohol, and tobacco industries and to make sure that all Nigerian laws, rules, and ethical commitments to the Nigerian people are followed.

The committee’s work necessitated the collection of evidence and data, public hearings, and a strategic forum conference with focus areas of government agencies, NGOs, CSOs, and regulatory authorities in Abuja and alcohol, tobacco, port terminals, and pharmaceutical industries in Lagos.

“The conferences will function as forums for policy discussions, professional suggestions, and the creation of practical resolutions for legislative changes,” he stated.

In accordance with Section 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the chairman cautioned 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 operations.

Mr. Adelegbe clarified that the committee’s probe was a patriotic endeavor meant to safeguard Nigerians’ health and well-being and restore moral business practices in the nation, not a witch hunt.

“Toxic products, illegal drugs, predatory advertising, and destructive business practices must never be dumped in Nigeria.” He declared, “This committee is steadfast in its defense of the Nigerian people.