Ugo Aliogo examines a recent research finding published by Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa, which states that 29,472 deaths in Nigeria are attributable to smoking
According to the FCTC, “Main countries of origin for illicit cigarettes are China, Paraguay, the Russian Federation, the United Arabic Emirates, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. While main destinations are: The European Union, the United States of America, Brazil, Canada, South Africa, Iran, Iraq, Hong Kong, and Pakistan.
He also affirmed that in line with the National Tobacco Control Act 2015, the health ministry has the power to issue licenses for the manufacture and distribution of tobacco and tobacco-related products. He also stated that they recognize that unemployment increased and purchasing power disposable income has reduced as a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Monteith argued that organized criminals are highly adaptable, creative, exploiting public anxiety and enriching themselves not just from tobacco, but other products such as PPE, alcohol, and pharmaceutical even counterfeit COVID vaccines have been identified in Asia. Monteith said: “So, COVID has not prevented criminals from profiting. It rather puts pressure on consumers’ purchasing power and pushes them to turn to illegal products. That’s why we need a more coordinated approach and a combination of partnerships fighting the underlying causes as well consequences and symptoms. Without demand, there is no supply. One important action is to educate consumers that with every illegal pack they buy they support criminal groups.
According to Monteith, “In its operations in Nigeria JTI has made anti-illicit trade one of her major objectives, scaling up awareness and always ready to partner with relevant agencies of the government such as the Nigeria Customs Service in the collective fight against illicit products, contrabands, and smuggling activities. JTI is also partnering with Interpol to combat the illicit tobacco trade.
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