Why You Can’t Drink Alcohol in Public: Jigawa Governor Explains Ban

Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has reaffirmed the state government’s position on alcohol consumption, stressing that the prohibition is not aimed at infringing on personal freedoms but rather at upholding local laws, cultural values, and religious principles. Speaking during a live television program, Beyond The Headlines on TVC, the governor sought to clear misconceptions surrounding the implementation of the Hisbah law, which restricts alcohol use in the state.

Namadi, who took office in 2023, explained that the review of the Hisbah law was carried out with significant public input, ensuring that the policy reflected the will of the people. “The Hisbah law was reviewed with public input. It doesn’t infringe on rights. It deals with issues against our laws, culture, and religion,” the governor stated.

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Public Versus Private Consumption

One of the key points raised during the session was the treatment of non-Muslims under the state’s prohibition laws. Governor Namadi clarified that the restrictions on alcohol consumption were not religiously targeted but applied uniformly across the population.

“Consumption of alcohol in public places is prohibited, whether Muslim or not. You can’t drink in a parlour or openly, but within your home, it’s different. The law prohibits public consumption,” he explained.

This clarification, according to observers, was aimed at countering the perception that the Hisbah law unfairly discriminates against non-Muslims. By distinguishing between private and public consumption, the governor stressed that the law is primarily designed to regulate behavior in public spaces, where alcohol use could conflict with broader community norms.

Balancing Rights and Cultural Realities

The Jigawa governor’s comments highlight the delicate balance between personal freedoms and cultural sensitivities in states that implement Sharia-based laws. For Jigawa, a state with strong cultural and religious traditions, the restriction on public alcohol consumption is framed as a means of maintaining public order and social harmony.

Namadi insisted that the policy was not a blanket ban intended to strip individuals of their rights but a carefully considered regulation that reflects the shared values of the community. The emphasis, he explained, was on aligning governance with both the constitution and the cultural realities of the state’s people.

By allowing private consumption, the law acknowledges individual choice while at the same time setting boundaries for conduct in communal settings.

Addressing Criticism and Misconceptions

The prohibition of alcohol consumption in northern states has often sparked national debates, particularly concerning its impact on non-Muslims and its compatibility with Nigeria’s secular framework. Critics argue that such laws could limit freedoms guaranteed under the constitution.

However, Governor Namadi argued that Jigawa’s approach is inclusive and transparent. He reminded viewers that the review of the Hisbah law was conducted with contributions from the public, ensuring it was not imposed arbitrarily.

According to him, the law seeks to “deal with issues against our laws, culture, and religion,” thereby positioning it as both a legal and moral framework rather than a tool of oppression.

Transparency in Governance

Beyond the alcohol debate, Governor Namadi also used the live session to address other governance issues, including controversy surrounding the procurement of his official vehicles. Recent reports had speculated that his government spent N1.8 billion on cars for the governor’s convoy, sparking criticism of wasteful expenditure.

The governor dismissed the claims as misleading, insisting that the total amount spent was less than N400 million.

“I did not buy a vehicle when I assumed office as governor. All the vehicles we bought are less than 400 million naira, not 1.8 billion as speculated. Jigawa State government is transparent in all its activities,” Namadi clarified.

He explained that the vehicles were necessary for his office to function effectively, given the demands of governance and official mobility.

Throughout the interview, Namadi also touched on his broader policy focus since assuming office. He spoke on politics, infrastructure development, agriculture, and education—areas he has prioritized to drive growth in the state. By tackling these key sectors, he said, his administration aims to improve living standards and ensure sustainable progress in Jigawa.

The governor presented himself as committed to transparency and accountability, reiterating that his government is open about its finances and decision-making processes. This, he suggested, was in keeping with his promise to build trust between government and citizens.

Governor Umar Namadi’s remarks on Jigawa’s alcohol ban illustrate the state’s attempt to navigate the complex intersection of law, culture, religion, and individual rights. By framing the restriction as one that applies uniformly to all residents regardless of religion, and by distinguishing between public and private consumption, the government seeks to maintain cultural values without wholly stripping citizens of their freedoms.

At the same time, Namadi used the platform to reassure the public of his administration’s transparency, particularly in response to concerns over government spending. His clarifications on both the alcohol policy and the vehicle procurement issue reflect an effort to counter misconceptions and project an image of responsible governance.

Ultimately, Jigawa’s stance on alcohol remains rooted in cultural and religious principles, but Namadi’s defense suggests that the administration is keen to ensure that its implementation is seen as fair, inclusive, and respectful of individual choices—so long as they do not conflict with community standards.