The Niger State Government has denied issuing a ban on alcoholic drinks in the state.
The governor, Mohammed Bago, said he had actually reversed the ban on sales of alcohol across the state, saying a rogue official was responsible for this week’s announcement that sparked uproar.
The governor said he invalidated a statement issued by Ibrahim Mohammed Bonu, head of the state’s Liquor and Licensing Board, and the ban would no longer proceed as scheduled for January 1, 2024.
Mr Bonu’s controversial directive had listed Suleja and eight other local governments of Niger to brace up for the ban.
Controversy immediately ensued, with Nigerians saying contiguous Abuja suburbs like Suleja, Madalla and others should not be subjected to Sharia ordinance, which has been in place in Niger State since May 4, 2000, despite its large Christian populations.
