CAPPA Calls for Stronger Tobacco Control Enforcement as FCTC Celebrates 20 Years
As the world commemorates the 20th anniversary of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has called on the Nigerian government to intensify the enforcement of the National Tobacco Control Act (NTCA) and the accompanying regulations, particularly those that prohibit the promotion and glamorization of smoking in the film and music industries.
In a statement released on Wednesday, CAPPA highlighted that the FCTC, which was adopted on February 27, 2005, is the first global public health treaty aimed at regulating tobacco products. The treaty addresses various aspects of tobacco control, including product content, packaging, advertising, marketing, sponsorship, pricing, taxation, and illicit trade, with the goal of safeguarding future generations from the detrimental health, social, environmental, and economic impacts of tobacco use. Currently, 183 countries, representing over 90 percent of the global population, are signatories to this treaty.
Nigeria signed the FCTC in 2004 and ratified it in 2005, subsequently enacting the National Tobacco Control Act in 2015, followed by the National Tobacco Control Regulations in 2019. Recently, regulations were introduced to curb the promotion of smoking.
“This milestone presents an opportunity to reflect on the treaty’s significant achievements, reaffirm our commitment to tobacco control, and promote a healthier, tobacco-free future for Nigerians,” stated Akinbode Oluwafemi, Executive Director of CAPPA.
Despite these legislative measures, Oluwafemi pointed out that enforcement of tobacco control remains insufficient in Nigeria. He criticized the tobacco industry for exploiting regulatory loopholes to target vulnerable populations, especially the youth, with new and addictive tobacco products that pose severe health risks.
“Over 8 million people die annually from smoking-related diseases, with Nigeria reporting approximately 26,800 tobacco-related deaths each year,” he noted. “Tobacco use leads to numerous non-communicable diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and chronic respiratory conditions, costing the country billions in healthcare and lost productivity. Additionally, tobacco production and consumption contaminate our environment with harmful chemicals and waste, further endangering public health and ecosystems.”
Oluwafemi expressed concern over the tobacco industry’s strategies to lobby for newer, purportedly ‘safer’ products, including e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. He emphasized that these products are still addictive and carry significant health risks.
To address these challenges, CAPPA has called for enhanced regulatory measures and the full activation of the National Tobacco Control Fund (NTCF), advocating for an increase in funding from the current N10 million to at least N300 million.
“The Federal Government must acknowledge the severe public health and economic threats posed by tobacco consumption by adequately funding tobacco control initiatives. This funding will enable the National Tobacco Control Committee (NATOCC) and the Tobacco Control Unit (TCU) to fulfill their roles effectively, as outlined in the National Tobacco Control Act,” he urged.
Oluwafemi concluded by stressing the importance of leveraging the FCTC to protect Nigerians from the perils of the tobacco industry, highlighting the treaty’s potential to save lives and foster a healthier society.