KEY POINTS
- The House seeks ban of alcohol and drugs in motor parks.
- The FRSC was also urged to do drive sobriety tests in parks at random.
- NDLEA has called on government to boost drug enforcement at transport hubs.
The House of Representatives has moved swiftly banning the sale of alcohol and psychoactive substances in and around motor parks in Nigeria.
The development comes on the heels of a motion brought to plenary by Mr. Abbas Adigun, representing Ibadan North East/Ibadan South East Federal Constituency.
How to reduce road accidents
Adigun supported the motion, pointing to a Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) report which connected 90 per cent of road accidents in Nigeria to alcohol and drugs and other causes.
He noted that consumption of psychoactive drugs and alcohol increases motor accidents risk due to loss of coordination, poor judgement, hence loss of life and property.
“Motor parks, places where this type of thing sells, where drugs and alcohol sales can be rampant, they can be used to further and advance the work,” the lawmaker said. “Motor parks have unfortunately become sales points for alcohol and illicit drugs that drivers take before take off, endangering the lives of passengers which is why we are concerned about,” he said.
Strengthening enhanced enforcement and safety measures
After adopting the motion, the House called on Federal, State, and Local Governments to immediately stop the sale of hard drugs and alcohol in motor parks.
The FRSC has also been inspired to cover ground motor parks, where appointed agents will carry out random drug and alcohol tests to ensure that drivers are not under the influence while they drive.
According to The Punch, The House also asked the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to target motor parks for the purpose of drug enforcement with a view to arresting and prosecuting all those involved in illicit drug transactions.
