Suleja local government area of Niger State has taken a decisive step to implement a comprehensive ban on the sale and consumption of liquor, effective January 1, 2024.
The announcement, conveyed through a statement released yesterday by the council’s spokesperson, Haruna Garba Kaninko, serves as a stern warning to liquor vendors, hoteliers, and the general public operating within the jurisdiction.
The move aligns with the guidelines outlined in the First Schedule of Niger State Liquor Law CAP 71, designating nine local government areas, including Suleja, as prohibited zones for the sale and public consumption of alcoholic beverages.
In a series of deliberations conducted between the council and key stakeholders, spanning liquor vendors, hoteliers, security agencies, and religious leaders, held at the council secretariat, Suleja local government underscored its commitment to enforcing the liquor law.
The council emphasized that strict compliance is imperative, cautioning that those found in violation would face the full extent of legal consequences.
To fortify this stance, the local government has opted not to grant liquor processing consent to any liquor vendor or hotel operator.
Additionally, it has dissolved all previous committees established for monitoring the sale and consumption of liquor.
Instead, a specialized task force is set to be established, tasked with ensuring compliance, apprehending offenders, confiscating contraband, and facilitating the prosecution of defaulters in accordance with the provisions of the liquor law.
The implementation of this ban marks a significant shift in the regulatory landscape of Suleja, with potential ramifications for businesses and individuals involved in the liquor trade.
The local government’s resolute determination to uphold the liquor ban underscores the seriousness with which it views the matter, with a commitment to creating a robust enforcement mechanism to curtail any potential breaches.
As the clock ticks down to January 1, 2024, the affected stakeholders are urged to familiarize themselves with the provisions of the Niger State Liquor Law CAP 71 and prepare for a paradigm shift in the dynamics of liquor sales and consumption within the Suleja local government area.
