The Rivers State Government says it is stepping up tobacco control policies and strengthening protections against second-hand smoke exposure amid growing concerns over rising nicotine use among young people.
The acting Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Health, Dr Vincent Wachukwu, disclosed this on Monday in Port Harcourt during a news briefing to mark the 2026 World No Tobacco Day.
He said the state is working with stakeholders and development partners to reinforce legal and public health frameworks aimed at reducing tobacco consumption and preventing nicotine addiction, particularly among adolescents.
“As part of ongoing efforts to advance public health in the state, Rivers State is actively working with key stakeholders and partners to strengthen tobacco control policies and enhance protections against exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke,” he said.
Dr Wachukwu said the intervention has become urgent due to evolving tobacco industry strategies that increasingly target young people through flavoured
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