Nigerian Senate passes Tobacco Control Bill into law

The Senate yesterday tuesday, passed into law the National Tobacco Control Bill, NTCB, after the document had spent several years on the shelf of the National Assembly.

Instead of imposing an outright ban on the smoking of cigarette, the Nigerian Senate opted for the controlled use of tobacco in the country.

Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu said “The passage of the bill is a milestone for us as the Senate. The dangers associated with smoking cannot be over emphasised and the tragedy here is that those at risk are not just those who smoke, but also those around them, their loved ones, their families, neighbours and friends.

“It is important that we regulate the smoking and other matters related with tobacco manufacturing and sales. This, we have done today in order to protect our people from the harmful effects of smoking. So, I believe that the society as well as those, whose businesses involve production and sale of tobacco, would understand our concern for the health of our people.”

“I believe that the law enforcement agencies will take appropriate actions to enforce this very important legislation,” he added

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