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Tobacco Control Act: CAPPA calls for digital marketing regulations
Mariam Sanni
A Civil Society Organization, CSO , known as Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa( CAPPA), has called for explicit provisions to regulate digital marketing comprehensively.
The Senior Programme Manager, Policy and Research, CAPPA , Zikora Ibeh while briefing pressmen in a media briefing held in Abuja, explained that there should be penalties for platform and third – party vendors facilitating the promotion or sale of new and emerging tobacco products online .
She noted that the organization acknowledges the recent efforts to review the National Tobbaco Control Act, 2015.
Ibeh maintained that any review must uphold the protection of public health, strengthen regulatory oversight, and decisively close the gaps that allow the tobacco industry to continue exploiting vulnerable populations in Nigeria .
It could be recalled a public hearing was held last week at the House of Representatives to discuss two proposed Bills aimed at amending the National Tobacco Control Act(NTCA) 2015, titled “House Bill(HB) 47 and HB 1151.
According to her, HB 1151, which seeks to impose stiffer penalties for violations of smoking regulations, suffers from a fundamental flaw in misrepresenting the titles of the Principal Act and the referenced Sections for amendments.
She added that the HB 47, which aims to cure certain defects in the NTCA 2015, ensure its effective implementation, as well as address the lacuna that May exploited by the tobacco industry in Nigeria .
She stated the CSO have recommended its intent but highlighted some gaps and areas that requires strengthening.
“ The increase influence of digital platforms in promoting emerging products poses a high threat to public health, particularly as these channels such as Instragram, Twitter and Facebook, amongst another’s, often bypass traditional restrictions and target minors.
“ CAPPA calls for explicit provisions to regulate digital marketing comprehensively , with penalties for platforms and third-party vendors facilitating the promotion of sale of new and emerging tobacco products online.
“We urged the Nigerian Government and public health authorities to rigorously enforce Section 18 of the National Tobacco Control Act, ensuring that all interactions with the tobacco industry are transparent and strictly regulatory,” she stated.
Ibeh charged the federal government to strengthen the role of the ministry of health and social welfare as the leading body to coordinate Tobacco Control Efforts and Maintaining Oversight.
Furthermore, the Executive Director of CAPPA, Akinbode Oluwafemi, in his welcome address at the press briefing stressed the need to reinforce Nigeria’s tobacco control framework cannot be overstated.
He noted that young Nigerians are increasingly being initiated into consuming these emerging tobacco and nicotine products disguised as modern and trendy altern
News
Senate Confirms NCC Board, charged to Consolidate Reforms and Expand Digital space
The newly confirmed Board of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) have being urged to provide bold, transparent, and accountable leadership that will consolidate ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector and expand digital access to every part of the country.
Sources revealed what the President will expect of them following the Senate’s confirmation.
Chief Idris Ibikunle Olorunnimbe as Chairman of the Board of the NCC, along with other distinguished members:
• Senator Ramoil Olalekan Mustafa, CON
• Engr. Ikechukwu Ugwuegede
• Princess Oristserenwe Emiko
• Barr. Christopher Sandy Okorie
• Hajiya Maryam Bayi
The new Board brings together experienced professionals and reform-minded leaders at a critical time in the evolution of Nigeria’s digital economy.
Chief Olorunnimbe is part of a new generation of leaders whose blend of innovation, entrepreneurship, and public service reflects the administration’s vision of a knowledge-driven, inclusive, and globally competitive economy.
NCC Board is expected to focus on strengthening regulatory independence, improving consumer protection, and accelerating broadband expansion, while ensuring that Nigeria remains a secure, attractive, and competitive destination for digital investment.
Board to work is expected to work in close coordination with the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, and the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, in advancing the goals and accelerate delivery on the Renewed Hope Agenda for a digitally inclusive, knowledge-driven economy.
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