Niger State Governor Takes Decisive Action, Bans Alcohol in Suleja, 8 Other LGAs

Governor Muhammed Bago of Niger State has imposed a ban on the sale of alcohol in Suleja and eight neighboring local governments that share boundaries with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The ban, set to take effect on January 1, was announced by Ibrahim Mohammed, the secretary of the state’s Liquor and Licensing Board. Mohammed emphasized that the board, mandated to regulate liquor vendors in the state, will ensure strict compliance with the law, listing nine local government areas, including Suleja, on the first schedule of prohibited areas.

In a statement, Mohammed explained, “We are calling on all vendors to abide by the relevant extant laws establishing the board.” Additionally, beer joints operating within Minna, the state capital, will be served with relocation letters, requiring them to move outside the city to a location within an eight-kilometer radius of the state post office.

The move comes as Governor Bago seeks alternative revenue streams to address poverty and displacement issues in the state. Notably, he recently urged the federal government to allocate a 13 per cent derivation to Niger State, citing the national importance of power infrastructures and dams hosted by the state.

“We will take the federal government to the Supreme Court unless the 13 per cent derivation from our land, water, air, grass, and everything given to us is paid,” stated Governor Bago. He emphasized the need for the derivation to cover water supplied to the Delta, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the state’s residents due to water flow from the Niger to the Delta region.