Responding to the African Tobacco Control Alliance (ATCA) Report, the British American Tobacco Nigeria has categorically stated that as a standing principle, the company, as much as possible, puts measures in place to discourage youth access to its products, involvement of youths and children in marketing, as well as sales of its tobacco products near schools.
This was contained in a statement issued by the company’s Legal and External Affairs Director, Mr. Freddy Messanvi and made available to our correspondent.
“We market and sell our tobacco products in an ethical manner and strictly adhere to our own self-imposed international marketing principles that govern, regulate and monitor our marketing approach within our controlled marketing universe. These marketing principles aim to prevent youth access and smoking at point of sale and discourage the sale of tobacco products near schools. They also strongly discourage the use of child labour at tobacco retail points to prevent minors from selling and/or promoting the use of tobacco products. We strictly monitor our trade partners with a view to ensuring we do not partner with anyone who engages under aged persons in the sale of our products and will continue to advocate and drive for compliance”, the statement read.
The statement further read that children are not and will never be the company’s target market anywhere in the world and to affirm the principle, considerable time, strategies and efforts have been deployed and expended in educating retailers and other end market sellers of the products about the important role they play in preventing and stopping children from getting access to tobacco products.
While appreciating that there were still areas of needed improvements, the company promised to continue to collaborate with its partners such as farmers, suppliers and traders to ensure the continued protection of children.
British American Tobacco Nigeria says it is an organisation that is committed to high standards of corporate conduct which includes marketing of its products to adult consumers. It also acclaims strict, company-wide marketing principles to ensure that its products are marketed responsibly, in addition to adhering to the Tobacco Control Act and all relevant laws and regulations in its country of operation.
