Nigeria: BATN Raises the Alarm On Illicit Tobacco Business

Source from:  This Day 06/09/2015

British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) has called for a concerted effort in tackling illicit tobacco traffickers who are exploiting the clean tobacco business to enrich themselves at the expense of the consuming populace.

At a media parley recently held in commemoration of World Tobacco Day in Lagos, the company noted that the punishment for illicit tobacco peddling involves a mere slap on the wrist, thus making it a profitable venture for the perpetrators. According to the company's Head of Government Affairs West Africa, Odiri Erewa-Meggison, the activities of illicit tobacco barons affect the company, government and the society.

She revealed that BATN has paid "N213 billion worth of tax to the government in Nigeria since year 2000 till date (2014)" and "also loses about £30m yearly due to illicit activities", adding that the money ends up in wrong hands who in turn use it to sponsor illegal activities.

"As discovered by Interpol, the money illicit tobacco barons make is channeled towards terrorism, money laundry, child trafficking and makes it easy for children to have access to the product because it won't be sold at the competitive price due to the fact that they evade taxes."

On how the company has tackled the menace in Nigeria, Odiri stated that BATN had worked with some government agencies to reduce the percentage of illicit tobacco products from 80 per cent to 20 per cent.

In her words: "We educate consumers on illicit and genuine products because if there are no consumers there can't be supply. And also tell them to send information on where they get the products so the perpetrators are brought to justice. "We also educate our trade partners because they are the ones who unknowingly help sell those products. We tell them that when they don't resist illicit products, they stand the risk of losing money if the regulatory agencies get to know about it. Also, Tobacco brand owners are coming together to protect their trademark and enforce their brand rights", she added.

On the recently passed tobacco control bill by the Nigeria legislature, the company said it made its position known during the debate on the bill, but was yet to see a copy of the law since it was passed. Enditem