FCCPC Launches Campaign to Combat Rise in Youth Tobacco Use

L-R: Health influencer, Chinonso Egemba (Aproko Doctor); Chairperson, National Tobacco Control Community, Dr. Bridget Okoeguale; Representative of Honorable Minister of Health/The Head of Tobacco Control Unit, Dr. Malau Toma; Acting Executive Vice Chairman, Federal Competition & Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, Dr. Adamu Ahmed Abdullahi; Former Executive Vice-chairman, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Mr. Babatunde Irukera; and Social media influencer, Actress, singer and TV host, Bisola Aiyeola during the Federal Competition & Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC all Stakeholders Launch Ceremony and Press Conference of Advocacy Campaign; ‘Don’t Burn Their Future’, Held in Lagos On Monday.

In an effort to safeguard the health and future of Nigeria’s youth, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), has inaugurated the “Don’t Burn Their Future” campaign.

The initiative addresses the alarming rise in young and underage access to tobacco products and aims to curb the detrimental impact on society.

Speaking at the launch in Lagos, the Acting Executive Vice Chairman of the FCCPC Dr. Adamu Abdullahi, emphasized the dynamic nature of sound health, which encompasses physical, mental, and social well-being.

According to Abdullahi, the campaign underscores the collective responsibility of individuals, communities, and a prioritised 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 (CSOs) 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.

He highlighted the grave risks associated with youth tobacco use, ranging from impacts on brain development to respiratory issues and increased nicotine dependence noting that 4.5 million Nigerians aged 15 and above are tobacco users, with more than 26,800 annual deaths attributed to tobacco-related diseases.

On his part, the Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Pate, noted that campaign by the FCCPC is in alignment with the national objective on tobacco control.

He explained that among other issues, tobacco is a major risk factor for non communicable diseases like hypertension, stroke, cancers, diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases.

January 25, 2024