In a statement issued on Wednesday, CAPPA underscored the significance of the FCTC, the first global public health treaty aimed at regulating tobacco products. Adopted on February 27, 2005, the treaty addresses critical aspects of tobacco control, including product content, packaging, advertising, marketing, sponsorship, pricing, taxation, and illicit trade. Its goal is to protect future generations from the devastating health, social, environmental, and economic impacts of tobacco use. Today, 183 countries, representing over 90 percent of the global population, are parties to the treaty.
Nigeria signed the FCTC in 2004, ratified it in 2005, and enacted the National Tobacco Control Act in 2015, followed by the National Tobacco Control Regulations in 2019. Recently, additional regulations were introduced to restrict the promotion of smoking.
“This milestone offers an opportunity to reflect on the treaty’s achievements, reaffirm our commitment to tobacco control, and advocate for a healthier, tobacco-free future for Nigerians,” said Akinbode Oluwafemi, Executive Director of CAPPA.
Despite these legislative efforts, Oluwafemi noted that enforcement of tobacco control measures in Nigeria remains inadequate. He criticized the tobacco industry for exploiting regulatory gaps to target vulnerable populations, particularly youth, with new and addictive tobacco products that pose serious health risks.
“Globally, over 8 million people die annually from smoking-related diseases, with Nigeria recording approximately 26,800 tobacco-related deaths each year,” Oluwafemi stated. “Tobacco use contributes to non-communicable diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and chronic respiratory conditions, costing the country billions in healthcare expenses and lost productivity. Moreover, tobacco production and consumption pollute our environment with toxic chemicals and waste, further endangering public health and ecosystems.”
Oluwafemi also expressed concern over the tobacco industry’s efforts to promote newer products, such as e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, as ‘safer’ alternatives. He emphasized that these products remain addictive and carry significant health risks.
To address these challenges, CAPPA has called for stronger regulatory measures and the full activation of the National Tobacco Control Fund (NTCF). The organization advocates for increasing the fund’s allocation from the current N10 million to at least N300 million to support effective tobacco control initiatives.
“The Federal Government must recognize the grave public health and economic threats posed by tobacco consumption by adequately funding tobacco control efforts. This will enable the National Tobacco Control Committee (NATOCC) and the Tobacco Control Unit (TCU) to fulfill their mandates as outlined in the National Tobacco Control Act,” Oluwafemi urged.
In conclusion, Oluwafemi stressed the importance of leveraging the FCTC to safeguard Nigerians from the dangers of the tobacco industry. He highlighted the treaty’s potential to save lives, reduce healthcare burdens, and promote a healthier society for future generations.