Rivers proposes anti-tobacco bill to prohibit sale of tobacco products by minors

Rivers State Ministry of Health said it has enacted a new anti-tobacco bill in the state, adding that the bill would be forwarded to the State House of Assembly soon for scrutiny and approval.

The Ministry said the law is aimed at putting Control on the use of tobacco in the state, adding that the state targets to eradicate tobacco use.

The Ministry made this known in Port Harcourt, Monday, during a press briefing to mark the 2026, World No Tobacco Day, with theme: “Unmasking the Appeal: Countering Nicotin and Tobacco Addiction”, which was done in collaboration with Nigeria Tobacco Control Alliance, NTCA.

Speaking while fielding questions from journalists, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Wachukwu Vincent, said the government is looking at a tobacco free city (state) soon, adding that a new bill is been put together by the Ministry.

He said “we are looking at 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 area. If the bills are passed into law, we will take off stronger enforcement.”

Wachukwu stressed the Ministry’s warning against sales of tobacco products by minors in the state, adding that the state is taking up a stronger action to protect citizens from the harmful impact of tobacco.

He urged residents to reject the deceptive allure of tobacco packaging, noting that the state is actively working with relevant agencies and partners to implement relevant laws against tobacco.

He said that the year’s theme highlights the tactics used by the tobacco and nicotine industry to make harmful products 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-communicabie diseases. 

“Beyond its health consequences, tobacco use imposes significant social and economic costs on families, communities, and healthcare systems.”

He said that the growing concern is the rising popularity of emerging nicotine products among adolescents and young adults, adding that the products are deliberately designed to appear modern, fashionable, and less harmful, creating a false sense of safety while exposing users to the risks of lifelong nicotine dependence and addiction.

Wachukwu said the state recognises that protecting public health requires strong laws, effective enforcement, sustained public awareness, and collective action, noting that the governor of the state, Sir Siminalayi Fubara through the Ministry remains committed to strengthening tobacco control measures, supporting public education initiatives, and working with stakeholders to create healthier and safer environments for all residents.