Rivers Toughens Tobacco Control Over Rising Youth Vaping Concerns
The Rivers State Government has announced plans to tighten tobacco control regulations in response to growing concerns over rising youth vaping and nicotine use in the state. Health officials and anti-tobacco advocates in Rivers warned that sweet-flavoured e-cigarettes, disposable vapes, and other emerging nicotine products are increasingly targeting teenagers and young adults, exploiting policy gaps and weak enforcement. They noted that the situation mirrors national findings showing that tobacco companies are pushing electronic cigarettes, vapes, and similar products at Nigerian youths. Youth-focused groups have called for stricter laws and implementation to protect children from nicotine addiction, urging government to urgently restrict the sale of e-cigarettes, vapes, and flavoured tobacco products to minors. They are also demanding tougher penalties for vendors who sell such products to underage users and tighter regulation of marketing and distribution channels. Public health experts cited global […]
