By Capital Watch Media
The Association of Advocates Against Alcohol Harm in Nigeria, ASAAHN, has called for stronger measures to regulate alcohol consumption in the country, citing significant health and social risks.
The group urged the government to prioritise public health over economic gains from alcohol production.
Speaking at a recent event, ASAAHN National Chairman, Nwokocha Chijioke P., highlighted the impact of alcohol consumption, stating that over 35 million Nigerians engage in harmful drinking.
“Harmful alcohol consumption has become a pressing public health challenge, contributing to domestic violence, road accidents, and various medical conditions,” he said.
ASAAHN pointed to global statistics from the World Health Organisation, WHO, which estimate that alcohol consumption leads to approximately three million deaths annually.
The organisation also noted that alcohol-related harm disproportionately affects men, with 2.4 million deaths recorded among males compared to 0.6 million among females in 2019.
According to ASAAHN, Nigeria’s current policies on alcohol control are insufficient.
“Despite existing efforts, the National Alcohol Policy has not been effectively implemented due to weak stakeholder engagement and policy gaps,” Nwokocha stated.
The organisation is advocating for the policy to be strengthened and transformed into the National Alcohol Control Bill.
The group outlined its strategy to achieve this goal, which includes advocacy, social campaigns, and stakeholder engagement at both national and state levels.
“We aim to empower policymakers, advocates, and community leaders to champion alcohol harm reduction initiatives,” Nwokocha added.
Alcohol consumption has been linked to various health conditions, including cancer, kidney and liver diseases, and mental health disorders.
ASAAHN stressed that tackling these issues requires a comprehensive approach involving regulation, public education, and enforcement of existing laws.
The organisation also highlighted the economic burden of alcohol-related harm, including lost productivity and healthcare costs.
“The impact goes beyond health; it affects families, workplaces, and the overall economy,” Nwokocha noted.
ASAAHN urged the government to adopt evidence-based strategies to curb excessive alcohol consumption.
The group emphasised the need for strict regulations on alcohol production, marketing, and distribution to protect public health.
In addition, the association called on the public to be more aware of the dangers of alcohol consumption.
“It is important for Nigerians to understand the risks associated with alcohol and make informed choices,” Nwokocha said.
ASAAHN reaffirmed its commitment to working with stakeholders to ensure effective alcohol control policies in Nigeria.
The organisation vowed to continue pushing for legislative reforms that would reduce alcohol-related harm and safeguard public health.
