FG to ban sale of cigarettes to persons below 18, lists prohibited areas to sale and smoke

The Nigerian government has announced the enforcement of ban on sale of cigarettes to
persons under the age of 18 in the country.

The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole made the announcement yesterday being Wednesday in Abuja at a speech to mark the "World No Tobacco Day". He lamented on a report by World
Health Organisation (WHO) that over 4 million Nigerian adults are addicted to smoking.
The minister called for the immediate implementation and enforcement of the 2015 National Tobacco Control (NTC) Act.
According to him, “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.
> 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.
> Prohibition of smoking anywhere on the premises of a child care facility, educational facility, and/or health care facility.
“Other prohibited places for smoking include playgrounds, amusement parks, plaza, public
parks, stadium, public transports, restaurants, bars, or other public gathering spaces.”
Prof. Adewole 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. There will be  Prohibition of tobacco advertisements, promotion and sponsorship of any kind.
“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.
Representative of the WHO, Wondi Alemu noted that tobacco use is one of the leading predisposing factors for non- communicable diseases in the country.