ERA/FoEN decries non-implementation of Tobacco Control Act

The Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) yesterday expressed concern over the non-implementation of the National Tobacco Control (NTC) Act 2015.

The Deputy Executive Director, Mr. Akinbode Oluwafemi, who spoke while unveiling an anti-tobacco billboard on the premises of the National Assembly in Abuja, wondered why the implementation of the Act was being delayed.

Oluwafemi noted that tobacco manufacturers were conscious that Nigeria remained the biggest market for their product in Africa and were taking advantage of the laid-back attitude of the authorities to the detriment of the citizenry.

Justifying the choice of the location of the billboard, he said it was aimed at drawing the attention of the lawmakers to the need to implement the act.

According to him: “We have said it before, delay is dangerous. The time to act is now. We must inform you of the stage we are regarding the implementation of the National Tobacco Control (NTC) Act 2015.

The Federal Ministry of Health is still working out regulations on this, which will be transmitted to the National Assembly for approval.

“This is a very crucial time because between the periods the NTC Act was signed into law in 2015 and the inauguration of the National Tobacco Control Committee (NATOCC) by the Minister of Health Prof. Isaac Adewole, the industry has continued to grow.

“The attempt to get our kids hooked through kiosks and other sales points near schools is now a big issue not only in Nigeria but across Africa. In Cameroun, Togo, Uganda to list a few countries, these things are happening. Our concern however is that Nigeria still remains the biggest market for the tobacco industry on the African continent because of its teeming population of vibrant youths.”

He added: “As we preach this message using this outdoor medium, we are also asking the Ministry of Health to expedite action on the NTC regulations for the full implementation of the Act.”