Nigerian Government Moves To Ban On Sale Of Alcohol, Drugs In Motor Parks
The House of Representatives has advanced a motion to ban the sale of alcohol and psychoactive drugs in motor parks across the country.
Sponsored by Mr Abbas Adigun, representing Ibadan North-East/Ibadan South-East Federal Constituency, Oyo State, the motion gained approval during Thursday’s plenary.
Citing the Federal Road Safety Commission data, Adigun noted that “90 per cent of road accidents in the country are caused by the consumption of alcoholic drinks and hard drugs, among other factors.”
He argued, “The consumption of psychoactive drugs and alcohol increases the risk of motor accidents, leading to loss of driving coordination, poor judgment, poor vision, and consequently loss of life and property.”
The House expressed concerns over the prevalence of alcohol and drug sales in motor parks.
“We are worried that motor parks have become sales points for alcohol and illicit drugs where drivers consume these substances before take-off, thereby endangering the lives of passengers,” Adigun stated.
He further observed that while narcotic drugs are traded clandestinely, alcoholic drinks are “freely available and openly displayed at motor parks.”
He added, “Many drivers take alcohol or hard drugs before embarking on their journey simply because they are being sold at the motor parks.”
Following the motion’s adoption, the House urged Federal, State, and Local Governments to enact an immediate ban on alcohol and drug sales in motor parks.
Additionally, it called on the FRSC to conduct random drug and alcohol tests for drivers and urged private park operators to discourage the sale of alcohol.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) was also asked to increase surveillance in parks to apprehend and prosecute drug dealers and users.
