Nigeria government officially bans sales of Cigarettes to persons below 18 of age

Nigeria government officially bans sales of Cigarettes to persons below 18 of age. The ban was made through the Hon. Minister of Health, Isaac Adele,  who disclosed it during a press briefing in the country’s capital city Abuja.

Ukridosblog, learnt that the briefing which took place yesterday 31st May, 2017, was to mark the World’s No Tobacco Day.

In the briefing,  the Hon. Minister of Health said;

“Having carefully analysed the NTC Act 2015, I wish to announce with high sense of responsibility that government will begin implementing the following provisions:

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.” Adwole also called for the prosecution of owners or managers of any of the places listed above, who permits, encourages or fails to stop smoking in the above listed places.

The Hon. Minister also announced the prohibition of tobacco promotion of any kind, sponsorship or advertising; and compliance with specified standard for content as set out by Standards Organisation of Nigeria

 

 

 

Source: Linda Ikeji