BATN Urges Fair, Balanced Regulation Of The Tobacco Industry

Source from:  Leader Ship  10/20/2014

British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) has called on senators and other industry stakeholders to work towards better and balanced regulation of the tobacco industry for the benefit of all stakeholders.

According to them, this can only be achieved if the bill on regulating the tobacco industry that is currently being debated by the National Assembly takes into consideration the views of all stakeholders with the ultimate aim of drafting a bill that is effective and workable, said Freddy Messanvi, director, Corporate and Regulatory Affairs, BAT West Africa.

Speaking at the public hearing on the Tobacco Control Bill organised by the committee on health of the Senate at the National Assembly, Abuja, Messanvi said that a balanced tobacco legislation would drive the attainment of the aims and objectives of the bill.

"Drafting a bill that will not make matters worse but will be workable, based on facts and evidence while achieving the aims for which it was set, should be the focus as these bills are now being considered," said Messanvi, adding, "A legitimate tobacco industry that is well regulated has more benefits than one that is left in the hands of smugglers who are faceless and who have little or no stake in the country."

An overly stringent legislation that hamstrings legitimate producers from operating in the country will only lead to opening up the country to illegal trading of tobacco in the country, such as is happening in other countries. Enditem