The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Health, has launched a campaign to ban smoking in 9 public places across the country.

In a communiqué, the ministry said according to Section 9 of the Nigeria Tobacco Control Act 2015, once convicted, offenders are liable to a fine of at least N50, 000 and/or six months’ imprisonment.

Tagged the Clean Air Campaign, the ministry said the law would henceforth be taken seriously in a bid to protect and promote the citizens’ right to health, life, physical integrity and safety.

To carry out the campaign successfully, the ministry also said it was being supported by the Cancer Society of Nigeria, World Health Organisation, ONE Campaign, Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, Civil Society Organisations and the Tobacco Free Kids based in Washington DC, United States.

Public places where smoking is prohibited by law in Nigeria include:

– child care facilities

– educational facilities

– health care facilities

– playgrounds/amusement parks

– public parks (gardens)

– stadia

– restaurants/bars

– public transportation parks and

– Plazas.

“The Federal Ministry of Health is committed to the fight to ensure a tobacco-free Nigeria, and will in the weeks and months ahead actively collaborate with law enforcement agencies to ensure enforcement of the Act, and with the National Assembly to ensure that necessary supporting regulation is passed.”