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Itode Akari
PORT HARCOURT – The Rivers State Ministry of Health says it is seeking to outlaw the sale of tobacco products to minors through a new anti-tobacco bill currently being prepared for transmission to the State House of Assembly.
The Ministry said the proposed legislation is designed to restrict access to tobacco by underage persons and reinforce regulatory measures governing tobacco use across the state.
The disclosure was made on Monday in Port Harcourt during a press briefing to mark the 2026 World No Tobacco Day, themed “Unmasking the Appeal: Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction,” organised in partnership with the Nigeria Tobacco Control Alliance (NTCA).
Speaking with journalists, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Wachukwu Vincent, said the government is pushing towards a tobacco-free state, adding that the draft bill is part of ongoing efforts to achieve that goal.
He said, “We are looking at a Tobacco free state. We have enacted a new bill that will be sent before the Rivers State Assembly soon.
“If it is passed into law it will prohibit the sale of tobacco by minors. It will also seek to address the enforcement on designated smoking areas . If the bills are passed into law, we will take off stronger enforcement.”
Wachukwu warned against the sale and distribution of tobacco products to minors in the state, saying the government is stepping up enforcement measures to curb exposure and protect residents from the harmful effects of tobacco use.
He urged residents to disregard the deceptive appeal of tobacco packaging, noting that the state is working with relevant agencies and partners to ensure effective implementation of tobacco control laws.
The permanent secretary added that this year’s theme underscores the strategies employed by the tobacco and nicotine industry to make harmful products more attractive, particularly to young people and first-time users.
He said, “Tobacco use remains one of the leading preventable causes of death worldwide and a major contributor to heart disease, stroke, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and other non-communicable diseases.
“Beyond its health consequences, tobacco use imposes significant social and economic costs on families, communities, and healthcare systems.”
Wachukwu expressed concern over the increasing use of emerging nicotine products among adolescents and young adults, noting that they are often designed to appear modern, fashionable, and less harmful, thereby creating a false impression of safety while exposing users to the risk of lifelong nicotine dependence and addiction.
He said the state recognises that effective public health protection requires strong legislation, strict enforcement, sustained awareness campaigns, and collective responsibility.
According to him, Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara, through the Ministry of Health, remains committed to strengthening tobacco control policies, enhancing public education efforts, and collaborating with stakeholders to promote healthier and safer communities across the state.
