The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), has developed a set of standard for cigarettes, which would go into effect on 1 July.

To ensure that there is a regulatory framework, SON has developed a set of standards which cigarettes must meet to be sold in Nigeria. The cigarette standards dictate that as of July, all cigarette packs need to carry a reminder that cigarettes should not be sold to individuals under 18. The proof of quality can only be assigned by SON, and the Federal Ministry of Health’s warning must be displayed on 30 per cent of the back and front panels.
The Technical Committee on Tobacco Products spent months reviewing the standards to include packaging and labelling requirements in line with those found in most developed countries.
According to Director General SON, Dr. John Akanya, prior to 2001, there was an uncontrolled influx of sub-standard and counterfeit cigarettes into the country. Due to SON’s coordination by 2004, the incidence of counterfeit cigarettes in Nigeria was reduced from over 50 per cent in 2001 to under ten per cent in 2004. However, sub-standard and counterfeit cigarettes are still a major issue for the country.
It was stressed that SON does not intend to force legal businesses trading in tobacco products to leave the country as people would still continue to smoke and the void would be filled by criminals. (pi)