The Rivers State Ministry of Health has disclosed plans to prohibit the sale of tobacco products to minors through a new anti-tobacco bill currently being prepared for presentation to the Rivers State House of Assembly.
According to the ministry, the proposed legislation aims to limit underage access to tobacco products and strengthen regulations guiding tobacco use across the state.
The announcement was made on Monday in Port Harcourt during a press briefing held to commemorate the 2026 World No Tobacco Day, themed “Unmasking the Appeal: Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction,” in collaboration with the Nigeria Tobacco Control Alliance (NTCA).
Speaking to journalists, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Wachukwu Vincent, said the state government remains committed to creating a tobacco-free environment, noting that the draft bill forms a key part of that objective.
“We are working towards a tobacco-free state. A new bill has been drafted and will soon be forwarded to the Rivers State House of Assembly. If passed, it will prohibit the sale of tobacco products to minors and strengthen enforcement of regulations on designated smoking areas. The passage of the bill will enable stricter enforcement measures,” he said.
Dr. Wachukwu also cautioned individuals and businesses against selling or distributing tobacco products to underage persons, stressing that the government is intensifying efforts to reduce tobacco exposure and safeguard residents from its harmful health effects.
