The Federal Executive Council (FEC) yesterday approved a new National Tobacco Control Bill 2014, which among others, prescribes six months jail term for smoking in non-designated places.
The Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, made the disclosure while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the FEC meeting presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan at the State House.
Chukwu said that the Bill, which would be sent to the National Assembly for passage into law, prescribed stiff penalties for individuals and companies that violate tobacco control regulations.
He added that the Bill, drafted by the ministry in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders, “is specifically to control the dangerous effects of tobacco and to forestall tobacco manufacturers from turning the country to a dumping ground.’’
The minister gave the assurance that when passed into law, the National Tobacco Control Act 2014 would be effectively implemented. (NAN)
