CPC Backs Excise Duties Hike On Tobacco, Alcoholic Products

The Consumer Protection Council (CPC) says it supports the Federal Government’s recent increase in excise duty on alcoholic beverages and tobacco products.
The Director-General, Mr Babatunde Irukera said this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja.
According to him, the increase will serve as a measure to reduce the risks of abuse and disease.
He also applauded the Federal Government’s consideration for consumers in “granting a 90-day moratorium and periodic incremental adjustments to ensure appropriate balance between personal consumer choices and the public interest.
“I commend President Muhammadu Buhari for his strong leadership in addressing this vital consumer issue in a manner that is consistent with prevailing global practices.”
Irukera said that though CPC protects the rights of all consumers and their prerogative to make personal lifestyle choices, it, however, encourages responsible consumption in all circumstances.
He said that of particular concern were 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.