Nigerian government has announced the enforcement of ban on sale of cigarettes to persons under 18 years in Nigeria.
The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, who made the announcement on Wednesday in Abuja at a briefing to mark the World No Tobacco Day, lamented a report by World Health Organisation (WHO) that over 4.5 million Nigerian adults are addicted to smoking tobacco substances.
The minister called for the immediate implementation and enforcement of key sections of the 2015 National Tobacco Control (NTC) Act.
His words: “Having carefully analysed the NTC Act 2015, I wish to announce with high sense of responsibility that government will begin implementing the following provisions;” Adewole said, as he listed the actions to be implemented as follows;
“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; and 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 device; prohibition of interference of tobacco industry in public health and related issues; and 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.”
The minister also directed the “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; and compliance with specified standard for content as set out by Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).
Adewole said the country is currently exploring using tobacco tax and levies as means of financing the Universal Health Coverage agenda of the Muhammadu Buhari administration.
“Increasing taxes and levies on tobacco products can reduce its consumption and generate revenue which can be used to finance universal health coverage and other developmental health programme,” he said.
Speaking, country representative of the WHO, Wondi Alemu noted that tobacco use is one of the leading predisposing factors for non-communicable diseases in the country.
