Some Non-Governmental Organisations have called on the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to regulate the upcoming Big Brother Naija (BBN) Season Seven, a popular reality television programme, to become smoke free.

The Nigeria Tobacco Control Alliance (NTCA) and Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids gave the advice on Wednesday at a news conference in Abuja.

Programme Officer of NTCA, Mr Chibuike Nwokorie, recalled that in 2021, the sixth edition of BBN programme sparked public outrage when its participants flagrantly smoked on live television.

He said that this violated the provisions of the National Tobacco Control (NTC) Act 2015 on on-screen smoking.

The regulatory officer added that it also threatened the gains made on the ban on Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship (TAPS) in the country.

He said when it happened, the tobacco control community called on the NBC to act immediately.

In his words, “This year, as the programme is about to begin its seventh season, we are drawing the attention of the NBC to proactively engage the organizers of the show to ensure that there is no repeat of last year’s violations.

“We wish to make it clear that should there be reluctance on the part of the regulators or the organisers to ensure a smoke free programme, we will explore every available option in the interest of public health.