The Bauchi State House of Assembly has stated that it is prepared to introduce legislation to regulate smoking in the state.
This was said by the Speaker, Abubakar Sulaiman, in a press conference on Wednesday in Bauchi.
The regulation, according to Sulaiman, would mark an important step in reducing cigarette consumption.
He claimed that the rule will discourage the use of such items rather than outright forbid smoking cigarettes.
The risks of smoking, according to Sulaiman, cannot be overstated because not only the smokers themselves but also others around them are at risk.
“The tragedy is that those at risk are not just those who smoke but also those around them, their loved ones, their families, neighbors and friends.
“It is important that we regulate smoking and other matters related to tobacco manufacturing and sales.
“We will provide laws that will protect our people from the harmful effects of smoking,” he said.
He emphasised that the society and the businesses involved in production and sale of tobacco would understand their concern for the health of the people.
Sulaiman said that the law would ensure effective regulation and control of production, manufacture, sale, labeling, advertising, promotion and sponsorship of tobacco and tobacco products.
“It will also ensure balance between economic consideration and health implications of tobacco manufacture, use and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke.’’
The speaker, however, urged the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Civil Society legislative Advocacy Center (CISLAC) to hasten submission of the draft on tobacco control to the assembly.