Group Says Tobacco Kills 26,800 Nigerians, Urges Immediate Action

A statement by the Media and Communications Officer of the group, Robert Egbe, called on the Nigerian government to escalate enforcement of the National Tobacco Control Act and other related regulations in the country….

The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa on Wednesday said tobacco-related illnesses kills not less than 26,800 Nigerians annually

This came as the world celebrate the 20th anniversary of the World Health Organisation Framework Convention of Tobacco Control

A statement by the Media and Communications Officer of the group, Robert Egbe, called on the Nigerian government to escalate enforcement of the National Tobacco Control Act and other related regulations in the country

“In Nigeria, tobacco-related illnesses kill 26,800 yearly and cause terrifying non-communicable diseases including cancer, heart disease, and chronic respiratory diseases on thousands more, costing billions in healthcare expenses and lost productivity” he quoted the Executive Director of the CAPPA have said

He said the Director lamented it’s effect on the environment, while calling for improved funding to achieve effective regulation of tobacco consumption.

“Tobacco cultivation, manufacturing and use poison our water, soil, beaches and streets with chemicals, toxic waste, cigarette butts, including microplastics, and e-cigarette waste, destroying our environment and further harming human and animal health.”

“To be clear, these products, including e-cigarettes and other electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), heated tobacco products (HTPs), snus, and oral nicotine pouches, among others, are not safe”

“The Federal Government must show that it recognises and understands the alarming danger tobacco consumption poses to public health and the economy, by raising the allocation to the Tobacco Control Fund from the present N10 million to a minimum of N300 million for the effective regulation of tobacco consumption” the statement said

He however noted that despite the availability of regulations, the enforcement of tobacco control in Nigeria has been low, with the industry exploiting regulatory gaps to target more victims, especially younger demographics, with new, addictive, unregulated tobacco and nicotine products of death and disease

To counter the problem, CAPPA canvassed intensified regulatory measures and the full operationalisation of the National Tobacco Control Fund (NTCF), including adequate funding.

“Such responsibilities include implementing robust public health campaigns to educate citizens about the dangers of tobacco use, funding research initiatives to monitor trends in tobacco consumption and evaluate policy impacts, enhancing enforcement efforts, including monitoring compliance with existing laws and prosecuting violations and supporting alternative livelihood programs for tobacco farmers, ensuring that they transition sustainably to other crops.” he said