Nigerian Government has launched a campaign to ban smoking in
public places including motor parks, shopping malls and health care
centres.
The Ministry of Health in a communique yesterday said according to
Section 9 of the Nigeria Tobacco Control Act 2015, once convicted,
offenders are liable to a fine of at least N50, 000 and/or six months’
imprisonment.
Tagged the Clean Air Campaign, the ministry said the law would be
taken seriously to protect and promote the citizens’ right to health,
life, physical integrity and safety.
It reads, “The World Health Organisation estimates that worldwide,
second-hand tobacco smoke is currently responsible for the deaths of
about 600,000 people yearly, 80 per cent of which occur in low-income
and middle-income countries like Nigeria.
“Smoking in public places is now banned in Nigeria. Section 9 of the
Nigeria Tobacco Control Act 2015 stipulates that offenders, once
convicted, are liable to a fine of not less than N50,000 or not less
than six months’ imprisonment, or both.
“Public places where smoking is prohibited by law in Nigeria include:
child care facilities, educational facilities, health care facilities,
playgrounds/amusement parks, public parks (gardens), stadia,
restaurants/bars, public transportation parks and plazas.
“The Federal Ministry of Health is committed to the fight to ensure a
tobacco-free Nigeria, and will in the weeks and months ahead actively
collaborate with law enforcement agencies to ensure enforcement of the
Act, and with the National Assembly to ensure that necessary supporting
regulation is passed.”
To enlightenment campaign is being supported by the Cancer Society of
Nigeria, World Health Organisation, ONE Campaign, Nigerian Centre for
Disease Control, Civil Society Organisations and the Tobacco Free Kids
based in Washington DC, United States.