The World Health Organisation (WHO) on World No Tobacco Day celebrated 31st May, highlighted how tobacco threatens the development of nations worldwide, calling on governments to implement strong tobacco control measures.
And Nigeria has announced a new set of regulations aimed at controlling the sale, distribution and consumption of tobacco in the country.
CGTN’s Deji Badmus reports.
Nigeria’s Health minister Prof Isaac Adewole announced that having carefully analysed the NTC Act 2015, the government will begin implementing the following provisions before the end of this year, the Leadership Newspapers reports.
He listed the provisions itemized below:
- Prohibition of sale of tobacco products to and by anyone below 18.
- Ban of sale of cigarettes in single sticks. Cigarettes must be sold in packs of 20 sticks only.
- Smokeless tobacco shall be sold in a minimum of a pack of 30 grams.
- Ban of sale or offer for sale or distribution of tobacco or tobacco products through mail, internet or other online devices
- Prohibition of interference of tobacco industry in public health and related issues.
- Prohibition of smoking in anywhere on the premises of a child care facility; educational facility; and health care facility. Other prohibited places for smoking include playgrounds; amusement parks; plazas; public parks; stadium, public transports, restaurants, bars, or other public gathering spaces.
- 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.
- Prohibition of tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship of any kind.
- Compliance with specified standard for content as set out by Standards Organisation of Nigeria.
The Minister also directed the Department of Public Health in the Federal Ministry of Health to prepare appropriate messaging which the ministry shall display in conspicuous location in all public institutions.
“I encourage all private establishments to support us in this laudable initiative. I shall also in few weeks communicate with government agencies through the office of my colleagues on the need to partner with us in the successful implementation of these provisions. “
