The Federal Government has expressed its readiness to commence enforcement of atleast nine subsisting laws in the Nigeria Tobacco Control Act which was signed into law by the immediate past administration, as part of efforts to commemorate the 2017 "World No Tobacco Day".
The Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole made the disclosure in Abuja on Wednesday at an event tagged "Tobacco: A Threat to Development". He disclosed that the aim of the event organized by the Ministry in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) was to demonstrate that effective control of tobacco can address existential social problems such as poverty, hunger and promote sustainable economic growth as well as combat climate change.
According to WHO statistics, tobacco kills over seven million people annually and increases the risk of non-communicable disease including cardiovascular disease and cancer. The nine laws set to be implemented include:
i. Prohibition of the sale of tobacco products to and by anyone below age 18;
ii. Ban of sale or offer for sale or distribution of tobacco or tobacco products through mail, internet, or other online devices;
iii. Prohibition of smoking in anywhere on the premises of a child care facility, educational facility, and healthcare facility. Other prohibited areas are playgrounds, amusement parks, plazas, public parks, stadia, public transport, restaurants’ bar, and other public gathering spaces;
iv. Ban of sale of cigarettes in single sticks; cigarettes must be sold in packs of 20 sticks only;
v. Prosecution of owner or manager of any of the places listed above who permits, encourages or fails to stop smoking in the above listed places;
vi. Prohibition of tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship of any kind;
vii. Smokeless tobacco shall be sold in a minimum of a pack of 30 grammes;
viii. Prohibition of interference of tobacco industry in public health and related issues; and
ix. Compliance with specified standards for content.
Meanwhile , Vigil360.com has learnt that stakeholders including interest from tobacco manufacturing companies are working towards reaching a middle ground with the Federal Government.
