The Federal Government has said that more than 26,800 annual deaths in Nigeria have been attributed to tobacco-related diseases even as 4.5 million Nigerians aged 15 and above are tobacco users.
This was contained in a statement on Monday, by the Federal Competitive Consumer Protection Commission.
In the statement, acting Executive Vice Chairman of FCCPC, Adamu Abdullahi, disclosed this on Monday at the formal lunch of its tobacco control advocacy tagged, ‘Don’t burn their future’.
Recall that Adamu Abdullahi, was earlier this month, appointed as the acting EVC of FCCPC following the removal of the former EVC, Babatunde Irukera by the President, Bola Tinubu.
Speaking at the event, Abdullahi said the initiative addresses the alarming rise in young and underage access to tobacco products.
He added that the move also aimed to curb the detrimental impact on society.
Abdullahi emphasised the dynamic nature of sound health, which encompasses physical, mental, and social well-being.
Speaking further, Abdullahi highlighted the grave risks associated with youth tobacco use, ranging from impacts on brain development to respiratory issues and increased nicotine dependence.
The acting FCCPC boss commended the proactive measures taken by the Federal Government, “including the enactment of the National Tobacco Control Act in 2015,”
He added that the government’s commitment to creating a smoke-free environment and fulfilling international obligations under the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
