On Thursday, the House of Representatives made significant strides toward banning the sale of alcohol and psychoactive drugs in and around motor parks across Nigeria.
This move followed the adoption of a motion put forth by Mr. Abbas Adigun, who represents the Ibadan North-East/Ibadan South-East Federal Constituency in Oyo State, during the plenary session.
Highlighting the urgency of the motion, the lawmaker referenced a report from the Federal Road Safety Commission, which indicates that 90% of road accidents in Nigeria are attributed to the consumption of alcoholic beverages and hard drugs, among other factors.
He stated, “The use of psychoactive drugs and alcohol heightens the risk of motor accidents by impairing driving coordination, judgment, and vision, ultimately resulting in loss of life and property.”
He added, “It is common practice worldwide to restrict the sale of alcohol and other substances that can be abused to pubs, not to parks or public transport areas. We are alarmed that motor parks have become hotspots for the sale of alcohol and illicit drugs, where drivers often consume these substances before setting off, putting passengers’ lives at risk.”
Moreover, he expressed concern that alcoholic beverages are readily available and displayed openly at motor parks, while narcotic drugs are traded and consumed covertly.
Adigun further argued, “Many drivers consume alcohol or hard drugs prior to their journeys simply because these substances are sold at motor parks, endangering the safety of passengers and pedestrians.”
In light of this motion’s adoption, the House urged Federal, State, and Local Government authorities to promptly prohibit the sale of alcoholic beverages and other drug-related substances in and around motor parks throughout Nigeria.
The House also called on the Federal Road Safety Commission to extend its services to these parks and conduct random tests on drivers to ensure they are not under the influence. Additionally, it urged transport business owners with private parks to discourage the sale of alcoholic drinks within their premises.
Furthermore, the House called on the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency to concentrate its efforts on motor parks nationwide to arrest and prosecute those dealing in or using illicit drugs.
