The Federal Competitive Consumer Protection Commission, (FCCPC) has said that over 26,800 die annually in Nigeria from tobacco-related diseases.
The acting Executive Vice Chairman of FCCPC, Adamu Abdullahi, represented by the Chairman of the Tobacco Control Unit, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Malau Toma, disclosed this at the formal launch of its tobacco control advocacy tagged, ‘Don’t Burn Their Future’.
He decried that 4.5 million Nigerians aged 15 and above are tobacco users and assured that the program would enable the organization to curtail the unhealthy increase in the abuse of tobacco by youth and limit their access to the product.
“The campaign underscores the collective responsibility of individuals, communities, and a prioritized healthcare system in fostering a healthier future for the youth.
“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,” Abdullahi said.
Revealing the preventive measure rolled out, he said that “Toll-free lines have been established to bridge the gap to a smoke-free future.”
Speaking further, he acknowledged the enactment of the National Tobacco Control Act in 2015, stressing that the new initiative rolled out will assist the government in fulfilling its international obligations under the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
In his remark, the immediate past EVC of the FCCPC, Mr. Babatunde Irukera, said, “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,”
