Nigeria is set to roll out firmer laws against smoking to guard against diseases related to tobacco consumption, Health Minister Onyebuchi Chukwu announced, saying the current anti-smoking legislation in the country is weak.
"We are bringing out a very strong law," Onyebuchi said of forthcoming anti-smoking legislation. "What was there wasn't strong enough."
Speaking in Abuja at the 2013 ministerial platform, where ministries deliver mid-term reports from their sectors, the minister said weak anti-smoking laws and tobacco consumption exposed many to diseases such as bronchitis, ulcers, cancers and possible death.
Chukwu said considering health dangers posed by tobacco; stronger anti-smoking laws would leave no options. "If you don't like it, go to a country where you can smoke yourself to death," he said.
Noting achievements in the health sector, minister of state for health Muhammad Pate, observed 47% reduction in maternal mortality--from 789 deaths per 100,000 in 2009 to 369 in 2013. In all, Pate remarked, interventions up till now have saved more than 200,000 lives of women and children alone.
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