- The director general of the CPC Babatunde Irukera said government’s motivation to increase excise duty was the desire to reduce the risks of medicine abuse
- Irukera said the decision to increase the excise duty on these commodities was consistent with prevailing global practices
- He, however, encouraged responsible consumption in all circumstances, particularly of products that may potentially have adverse effects
The Consumer Protection Council (CPC) on Tuesday, March 13, disclosed that the federal government’s proposed increase in excise duty on alcoholic beverages and tobacco products would reduce risk of diseases.
Premium Times reports that the director general of the (CPC) Babatunde Irukera, in a statement said the decision to increase the excise duty on these commodities was consistent with prevailing global practices.
The statement read: ''We encourage responsible consumption in all circumstances, particularly of products that may potentially have adverse effects, or possibly modify behaviour in a fashion that may be harmful or inconvenient to the consumer, or others.
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''We (CPC) believe government’s motivation to increase the duty was the desire to reduce the risks of abuse and disease that may be associated with consumption of these products.''
He said he was convinced government’s approach would foster consumer confidence, provide regulatory clarity and prioritise safety, to reinforce the mandate of the council.
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He added: ''The council insists all producers, particularly of the products subjected to the revised excise duty, must take appropriate steps, including full disclosures, to promote responsible consumption, responsive, transparent and accessible consumer complaint resolution mechanisms to protect and satisfy consumers.''
Meanwhile, NAIJ.com had reported that the increasing number of health workers infected with Lassa fever was due to their refusal to take necessary precaution while treating patients, the minister of health, Isaac Adewole said.
Speaking during a Saturday, January 27, courtesy call on the Ebonyi state governor, David Umahi, the minister said most doctors fail to wear protective medical apparels while treating patients with deadly diseases.
The minister said: ''What is worrisome is that when doctors and healthcare workers become infected then the country is in danger because every person that will go and meet that doctor or nurse is at risk.''
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Source: Naija.ng