26,800 die annually from tobacco-related sickness- FG

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

This was contained in a statement on Monday, by the Federal Competitive Consumer Protection Commission.

In the statement, acting Executive Vice Chairman of FCCPC, Adamu Abdullahi, disclosed this on Monday at the formal lunch of its tobacco control advocacy tagged, ‘Don’t burn their future’.

Recall that Adamu Abdullahi, was earlier this month, appointed as the acting EVC of FCCPC following the removal of the former EVC, Babatunde Irukera by the President, Bola Tinubu.

Speaking at the event, Abdullahi said the initiative addresses the alarming rise in young and underage access to tobacco products.

He added that the move also aimed to curb the detrimental impact on society.

Abdullahi emphasised the dynamic nature of sound health, which encompasses 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.