Gom Mirian
The Federal Competitive Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) says tobacco-related diseases are responsible for over 26,800 annual deaths in Nigeria.
It also reported that there are 4.5 million Nigerians aged 15 and above who are tobacco users.
This was disclosed by Adamu Abdullahi, the acting Executive Vice Chairman of FCCPC, during the formal launch of the organisation’s tobacco control advocacy campaign, titled, ‘Don’t burn their future’.
Abdullahi highlighted the alarming rise in young and underage access to tobacco products and emphasised the detrimental impact it has on society.
He said: “The campaign’s scope extends beyond warnings, featuring a collaborative approach with Civil Society Organisations to provide counselling 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.”
The Minister of Health, Prof Muhammad Pate, expressed his support for the campaign, stating that it aligns with the national objective of tobacco control.
Earlier, Babatunde Irukera, the former EVC of FCCPC, stressed the importance of protecting people from the harmful effects of tobacco and called on all stakeholders, including tobacco manufacturers, to join hands in creating a tobacco-free future.
The event was attended by Dr Malau Toma, Chairman of the Tobacco Control Unit at the Federal Ministry of Health, who emphasized tobacco’s role as a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases.
