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The Environmental
Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FOEN) has commended the
Senate over passage of the National Tobacco Control Bill. They say the
lawmakers have delivered a major public health tool that will save the
lives of millions of Nigerians from tobacco-induced deaths.

According to the
group, “We salute the courage of the Nigerian Senate for giving this
nation a strong tool to revert growing deaths from tobacco products.
Though this has taken us so long, we are confident that this bill will
save millions of our brothers and sisters from tobacco-related deaths.”
The group had earlier lamented the delay by the National Assembly in
passing the law of the National Tobacco Control Bill, saying that delay
in the passage of the bill may cost the nation more tobacco-related
deaths.

Senate to be remembered

“We also rejoice
with the sixth session of the Nigerian Senate because it will be
remembered in the history of our nation for passing a bill which will
place Nigeria on the map of progressive countries that have initiated
policies and measures to reduce smoking and its attendant health risks.
This senate will also be remembered for passing a people-oriented law
which is aimed at safeguarding our public health and improving the
lives of Nigerians,” the group said in a press statement made available
to NEXT. The national tobacco bill bans the sales of single sticks of
cigarettes, tobacco advertisement, sponsorship, promotions, selling
cigarettes to persons under the age of 18 and smoking of tobacco
products in public places.

The group however, urged the leadership of the National Assembly “to
fast-track the remaining legislative process to ensure that the bill is
presented for presidential assent quickly.”