The Nigerian House of Representatives on Thursday took major steps to ban the sale of alcohol and psychoactive drugs in and around motor parks across the country.
This action came after a motion was put forward by Mr. Abbas Adigun, a representative of Ibadan North-East/Ibadan South-East Federal Constituency in Oyo State.
Adigun highlighted alarming data from the Federal Road Safety Commission, stating that “90 percent of road accidents in the country are caused by the consumption of alcoholic drinks and hard drugs, among other factors.”
He argued that alcohol and drugs severely impair a driver’s coordination, judgment, and vision, which leads to dangerous accidents and loss of life and property.
He further emphasized, “It is global practice that alcohol and other substances that could be abused are limited to pubs and not to parks and public transport areas.” He raised concerns about motor parks becoming hubs for alcohol and drug sales, with drivers consuming these substances before starting trips, endangering passengers and pedestrians alike.
The House urged federal, state, and local governments to enforce the ban immediately and asked the FRSC to conduct random tests on drivers to ensure they are sober. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency was also called upon to monitor motor parks, arrest drug dealers, and stop illegal drug consumption.
The House hopes these measures will make Nigeria’s roads safer for all by reducing accidents linked to substance abuse among drivers.
