BAT seeks enforcement of Tobacco Control Act to reduce smuggling

British American Tobacco (BAT) is calling on relevant authorities to ensure full enforcement of Tobacco Control Act to achieve the objective of that law, including reduction of product smuggling.

The Tobacco Control Act, which was passed by the 7th Parliament and signed into Law in 2015, seeks to bring order into the manufacture, promotion and distribution of tobacco products in Nigeria.

Speaking on the enforcement of the TCA almost one year after its enactment, Freddy Messanvi, director, Legal and External Affairs, BAT West Africa stated that in line with our belief in the value of a balanced, workable and evidenced-based regulatory framework, British American Tobacco Nigeria continually supports the objective of ensuring the effective implementation of practical tobacco control measures, provided that these measures adequately combat smoking activity in a manner which is proportionate, not duplicating or contradicting existing laws, and does not unjustifiably limit any right or objective.

He also stated that for regulation to be effective, it must be very clear in terms of set objectives in order to reduce the health impact of tobacco use and should not leave the market at the mercy of smugglers and criminal gangs.

A year after the enactment of the TCA, enforcement was yet to be fully implemented in Nigeria and this has provided opportunities for illicit products to thrive due to exploitation of the non-enforcement status.

Messanvi said: “We are a responsible organisation that has constantly paid taxes and abided by the laws and regulations of Nigeria, supporting a success story of Foreign Direct Investment and local production in our operations. We have been proactive by ensuring compliance with all requirements of the law. At this point, we can only appeal to all relevant government agencies saddled with the responsibility of implementation to speedily commence with the enforcement of the TCA. “

He further stated, “As a responsible organisation, we will continue to abide by all laws of the country we operate in and will support the effective implementation of the Tobacco Control Act with a positive contribution of setting a new global benchmark in tobacco control.”