Tobacco kills 26,800 Nigerians annually – FG

The Federal Government has disclosed that more than 26,800 annual deaths in Nigeria have been attributed to tobacco-related diseases, even though 4.5 million Nigerians aged 15 and above are tobacco users.

The Federal Competitive Consumer Protection Commission disclosed this in 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 use of the substance.

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 prioritized healthcare system in fostering a healthier future for the youth,” Abdullahi added.

Speaking further, Abdullahi emphasized the serious hazards connected with teenage tobacco use, which range from effects on brain development to respiratory problems and increased nicotine dependence.

The acting FCCPC boss praised the Federal Government’s aggressive steps, “including the enactment of the National Tobacco Control Act in 2015.”

He also emphasized the government’s commitment to establishing a smoke-free environment and meeting international obligations under the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

According to him, ”The campaign’s scope extends beyond warnings, featuring a collaborative approach with civil society organizations 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, stated that the FCCPC’s program accords with the national goal of tobacco control.

Dr. Malau Toma, Chairman of the Federal Ministry of Health’s Tobacco Control Unit, represented Abdullahi at the occasion.

The use of the substance, according to Abdullahi, is a substantial risk factor for noncommunicable diseases such as hypertension, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

He stated that there are more than eight million deaths globally each year, with over seven million caused by direct tobacco use and approximately 1.2 million by nonsmokers exposed to second-hand smoke.

Mr. Babatunde Irukera, the immediate past EVC of the FCCPC, underlined the need to protect people from the detrimental consequences of  smoking cigarette, emphasizing that it is a cause rather than an event.