British American Tobacco Nigeria has commended the Lagos state government for passing the long expected Law on Public Place Smoking Bill and advised that it should be enforced by relevant security agencies in a just manner.
The company, through its Director of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs in West Africa, Mr. Freddy Messanvi, said that the State has shown a good example of how a balanced and effective law can be passed, adding that it was transparent and the public hearing and eventual drafting of the bill took all relevant views into consideration.
“The bill is neither excessive nor discriminatory,” he noted and suggested that there should be adequate sensitization of all Lagosians, especially those who trade in tobacco or who will enforce the laws.
Messanvi maintained that for laws to be effective, it must be enforced in a just manner, saying that it is the only way such law can achieve its intent.
The Public Place Smoking
Law, which was passed by the Lagos State House Assembly in January this year has been sent to the Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola for assent.
