|
|
| Search | Site Map |
 |
 Attempting to Influence the National Standards Organisation of Nigeria In Nigeria, BAT’s efforts to influence government and regulatory institutions are most visible in its partnership with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria and the Consumers Protection Council,two government institutions that regulate tobacco products and marketing. The Standards Organisation of Nigeria is responsible for standardizing and regulating the quality of all products in Nigeria while the Consumer Protection Council’s responsibility is to protect consumers from irresponsible manufacturing practices and assist aggrieved consumers in seeking redress. Sadly, BAT has nearly turned these two organizations into an arm of its corporate network through legal agreements that authorize the company to provide logistical support and capacity building training for both government institutions. Neither BAT nor the government will disclose what the government is giving the corporation in return. While the details of the agreement remain a secret, BAT has donated vehicles to the Standards Organisation of Nigeria. Public statements from both sides illustrate how close BAT has become with these government agencies. In May, BAT Managing Director Richard Hodgson said, “Since commencing operation in 2001, we have been working closely with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria. I am happy that the cooperation we have been receiving from the Standards Organisation of Nigeria has played an important role in our success.” In December 2005, the Director General of the Consumer Protection Council, Mrs. Ify Umenyi, stated, “Your company has been very supportive. I trust that you will continue to engage us to rid the nation of illicit and counterfeit products. I must commend you for the cooperation we have been receiving from you in terms of logistics and capacity building opportunities which I hope you’ll sustain and build on into the future.” BAT has targeted other government institutions through its social responsibility campaigns, donating more than 70 billboard ads around the country for various government institutions including the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council, the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission and others. All the billboards carry the phrase “Donated by BAT.” Support for full implementation of the global tobacco treaty in Nigeria is strong and growing. The Nigerian Tobacco Control Alliance and Environmental Rights Action are committed to exposing and challenging tobacco industry interference in the implementation of the treaty and to working with the government to ensure that public health policy is protected from industry interference.
|
Global Tobacco Treaty Action Guide 2008
|
|
