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26,800 die annually from tobacco-related sickness- FG
4.5 million Nigerians aged 15 and older smoke, but the Federal Government claims that tobacco-related diseases account for over 26,800 deaths in the country each year.
The Federal Competitive Consumer Protection Commission made this announcement in a statement on Monday.
In a statement, acting FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman Adamu Abdullahi revealed this on Monday during the organization's formal luncheon for tobacco control advocacy, with the theme "Don't burn their future."
Remember that President Bola Tinubu removed the previous EVC, Babatunde Irukera, earlier this month, and named Adamu Abdullahi as the acting EVC of the FCCPC.
Abdullahi, who spoke at the event, stated that the initiative tackles the concerning increase in minors' and youths' access to tobacco products.
He went on to say that the action was also taken to lessen the negative effects on society.
Abdullahi emphasized that sound health is a dynamic state that includes social, mental, and physical well-being.
"The campaign highlights the shared accountability of individuals, communities, and a healthcare system that prioritizes health care in promoting a healthier future for the younger generation," stated Abdullahi.
Abdullahi continued by emphasizing the serious dangers of youth tobacco use, which include effects on brain development, respiratory problems, and an increased risk of nicotine dependence.
The National Tobacco Control Act's enactment in 2015 was one of the proactive measures the Federal Government took, as praised by the acting head of the FCCPC.
The government's dedication to establishing a smoke-free environment and meeting its international commitments under the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control of the World Health Organization, he continued.
The campaign's reach goes beyond warnings, he says, with a cooperative approach with Civil Society Organizations to offer counseling services to smokers who want to give up. Abdullahi continued, "Toll-free lines have been set up to emphasize support and follow-up as a means of bridging the gap to a smoke-free future.
The FCCPC's campaign is in line with the country's goal of tobacco control, as stated earlier by Prof. Muhammad Pate, Minister of Health.
Dr. Malau Toma, Chairman of the Federal Ministry of Health's Tobacco Control Unit, attended the function on Abdullahi's behalf.
In addition to other problems, tobacco use increased the risk of noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes, cancer, stroke, hypertension, and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, according to Abdullahi.
According to what he disclosed, there are over eight million deaths globally annually, of which over seven million are attributable to direct tobacco use and roughly 1.2 million are caused by secondhand smoke exposure for nonsmokers.
The FCCPC's most recent EVC, Mr. Babatunde Irukera, emphasized in his remarks the importance of shielding people from tobacco use's detrimental effects and emphasizing that it is a cause rather than just an incident.
"The campaign lays the groundwork for a number of national hangouts, lectures, symposiums, and meetings with youth, all aimed at reiterating the message for a tobacco-free future. He concluded, "Tobacco manufacturers are among the stakeholders that the FCCPC calls on to collaborate in this important endeavor.