Nigerian Judge Delays Tobacco Suit
ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) -- A judge, acting in the first hearing on Nigeria's claim for damages of about $40 billion from three international tobacco companies, delayed the proceedings until mid-March.
The Nigerian government has filed a lawsuit against British American Tobacco PLC, Altria Group Inc.'s Philip Morris unit and International Tobacco Ltd., saying they have illegally promoted underage smoking.The government is seeking damages for the anticipated burden that tobacco-related ailments will place on public health services among other things.
The government is also demanding a ruling forbidding the sale of tobacco near schools and other places where children may gather.
The case could not be opened officially on Monday, however, because government lawyers said Philip Morris had yet to be served court papers. Presiding Judge Binta Murtala-Nyako adjourned the proceedings until March 17.
None of the tobacco companies were immediately available for comment and company lawyers made no comment in court. Local media reported that the companies denied the claims made by Nigeria.
Tobacco companies have in recent years stepped up their marketing campaigns in Nigeria and elsewhere in Africa. Nigeria is the continent's most populous country with 140 million people.
Back
