According to the Federal Government, tobacco-related diseases account for more than 26,800 fatalities in Nigeria each year, despite the fact that 4.5 million Nigerians aged 15 and up use tobacco.
The Federal Competitive Consumer Protection Commission issued a statement on Monday.
According to the statement, Adamu Abdullahi, acting Executive Vice Chairman of the FCCPC, revealed this on Monday at the ceremonial lunch of its tobacco control advocacy titled ‘Don’t burn their future’.
Recall that Adamu Abdullahi was appointed as the acting EVC of the FCCPC earlier this month after President Bola Tinubu removed the incumbent EVC, Babatunde Irukera, from office.
Speaking at the event, Abdullahi stated that the campaign aims to combat the worrisome increase in young and underage tobacco use.
He noted that the measure was also intended to reduce the negative impact on society.
Abdullahi highlighted the dynamic aspect of good health, which includes physical, mental, and social well-being.
“The campaign underscores the collective responsibility of individuals, communities, and a prioritised healthcare system in fostering a healthier future for the youth,” Abdullahi added.
Speaking further, Abdullahi highlighted the grave risks associated with youth tobacco use, ranging from impacts on brain development to respiratory issues and increased nicotine dependence.
The acting FCCPC boss commended the proactive measures taken by the Federal Government, “including the enactment of the National Tobacco Control Act in 2015,”
He added that the government’s commitment to creating a smoke-free environment and fulfilling international obligations under the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
According to him,
“The campaign’s scope extends beyond warnings, featuring a collaborative approach with Civil Society Organisations to provide counseling services for those aiming to quit smoking. Toll-free lines have been established to bridge the gap to a smoke-free future, emphasizing support and follow-up,” Abdullahi added.
Earlier, the Minister of Health, Prof Muhammad Pate, noted that the campaign by the FCCPC aligns with the national objective of tobacco control.
Abdullahi was represented at the event by the Chairman, Tobacco Control Unit, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr Malau Toma.
Abdullahi explained that among other issues, tobacco was a major risk factor for noncommunicable diseases like hypertension, stroke, cancers, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases.
He revealed that there are more than eight million deaths every year worldwide, with over seven million of these deaths occurring as a result of direct tobacco use and about 1.2 million from non-smokers exposure to second-hand smoke.
In his remark, the immediate past EVC of the FCCPC, Mr Babatunde Irukera, stressed the need to protect people from the harmful effects of tobacco, highlighting that it is not just an event but a cause.
“The campaign sets the stage for a series of symposiums, lectures, hangouts, and meetings with young people nationwide, reinforcing the message for a tobacco-free future. The FCCPC calls on all stakeholders, including tobacco manufacturers, to join hands in this crucial endeavour,” he concluded.