The Niger State Government has announced plans to ban sales and consumption of alcohol in Suleja and eight other local government areas of the state.

In a statement signed by the board secretary, Ibrahim Muhammad Bonu, on Monday, the state government say the ban would commence on January 1, 2024.

The statement also revealed that some beer joints within Minna, the state capital, would be served with relocation letters to move outside the city to within an eight-kilometer radius of the post office in the state.

While calling on all vendors to abide by the relevant extant laws establishing the board, Mr Bonu said the nine local government areas were on the first schedule of the prohibited areas, and Suleja happens to be among them.

He, therefore, warned staff of the board to stay away from illegal activities and soliciting for any gratification from operators of beer parlours, saying any staff found wanting would be dealt with.

“We are calling on all vendors to abide by the relevant extant laws establishing the board. The law establishing the board has the mandate to control the activities of all liquor vendors in the state and therefore, nine local government areas were on the first schedule of the prohibited areas, and Suleja happens to be among them, and as such, the board will ensure strict compliance with the law” the statement reads