Reps move to expose drug cartels, summon top figures

The House of Representatives has summoned key government agencies and private sector stakeholders as it begins an investigation into the growing problem of illicit drugs and substance abuse across the country.

Among those invited are the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the Nigeria Police Force, Punch disclosed.

Others include the Federal Ministries of Health and Aviation, the Nigeria Customs Service, Immigration Service, Correctional Service, and top pharmaceutical companies such as Emzor, Fidson, May & Baker, Juhel, and Dana.

Brewing giants like Nigerian Breweries, Guinness Nigeria, and International Distillers Limited, as well as representatives of the tobacco industry, have also been asked to appear.

The probe will also involve professional and civil society groups such as the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Nigerian Medical Association, Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria, and the National Youth Council.

International development partners including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF, UNDP, and USAID were also invited to submit memoranda.

The Ad-hoc Committee, chaired by Hon. Oluwatimehin Adelegbe (Owo/Ose Federal Constituency, Ondo State), was set up to investigate drug trafficking, abuse, and regulatory lapses across Nigeria.

In a statement on Sunday, Adelegbe said the panel would examine the root causes of drug abuse, identify institutional weaknesses, and recommend stronger control measures to protect public health and security.

He added that the committee’s findings would guide a detailed report to be presented to the House for further legislative action.