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Tag: Tobacco

  • Federal Govt, partners move to strengthen Anti-Tobacco law

    Federal Govt, partners move to strengthen Anti-Tobacco law

    The federal government and its development partners have expressed their readiness to initiate a review of the National Tobacco Control Act, 2015 to protect the Nigerian younger generation. 

    This move comes as a response to the negative trend of tobacco smoking among underaged children and the recalcitrant attitude of tobacco manufacturers who prioritize profit over public health.

    Speaking during the commemoration of World No Tobacco Day in Abuja on Friday, May 31, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Ali Pate, emphasised the urgent need to protect children from the harmful effects of tobacco. 

    According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tobacco accounts for over 8 million deaths globally every year, with more than 7 million of those deaths resulting from direct tobacco use and 1.2 million from second-hand smoke.

    In Nigeria, the 2012 Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) showed that 5.6% or 4.5 million Nigerians aged 15 and older were currently using tobacco products, while the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) conducted in 2008 revealed a prevalence of tobacco use among adolescents aged 13-15 years ranging from 13.1% to 23.3% in Lagos and Cross River States respectively.

    The minister, however, noted that the theme for this year’s campaign, ‘Protecting children from tobacco industry interference’ resonates with the government’s position and the need to address the trend. 

    He highlighted the importance of protecting the younger generation from the tobacco industry’s manipulative tactics, such as aggressive marketing campaigns, product placement, and enticing flavors.

    According to Pate, who was represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Daju Kacholllom, the government has taken steps to address tobacco industry interference, including signing and ratifying the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and developing the National Tobacco Control (NTC) Act 2015 and its implementing Regulations in 2019. 

    Other efforts include training law enforcement officers, conducting surveys, and securing support for the Global Adult Tobacco Survey, he added.

    These efforts, Pate said demonstrate the government’s commitment to addressing the tobacco menace.

    He said while the challenges posed by tobacco industry interference are formidable, they are by no means insurmountable, the Minister noted that the Federal Government has taken steps to address tobacco industry interference, despite challenges. 

    “The consequences of tobacco industry interference on children’s health are profound and far-reaching, leading to a host of adverse health outcomes, including respiratory ailments, cognitive impairment, and increased susceptibility to addiction later in life. 

    “At this point, it is imperative for me to emphasize that effective tobacco control is multisectoral and hence cannot be achieved alone by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. 

    “I therefore call on all relevant stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the National Tobacco Control Act and its Regulations.

    Read Also: Protecting children and youths from tobacco use

    “The Ministry will support the stakeholders as we move to strengthen the NTC Act,” he added. 

    WHO Country Representative Walter Mulombo called for more action from the government and other stakeholders, emphasizing the need for vigilance as tobacco manufacturers relentlessly pursue profits. 

    He highlighted the alarming uptake of tobacco products among children, particularly e-cigarettes, and the industry’s tactics to appeal to youth.

    He said: “A recently released report by WHO termed hooking the next generation-showed that an estimated 37 million children aged 13-15 years use tobacco, and in many countries, the rate of e-cigarette use among adolescents exceeds that of adults. 

     “This indicates that the industry targets youth for a lifetime of profits, creating a new wave of addiction.

    “Companies rapidly launch new products that sidestep, or are not included, in current laws, and use every available means to expand their market share before regulations can catch up with them.

    “Unfortunately, these tactics are working. Evidence from around the world shows an alarming uptake by children of some products, such as e-cigarettes. 

    “The tobacco industry is succeeding in its efforts to create a new generation of young people who smoke, vape, suck nicotine pouches or use snuff”.

    The Executive Director of the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), Akinbode Oluwafemi said it is an understatement to say that the adolescents are under siege by the tobacco manufacturers.

    As such, he asserted that no effort would be spared by the stakeholders to ensure that more stringent legislation is out in place to protect the children as they push for the review of the NTC Act, 2015.

    The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, who was represented at the event also assured of implementing the law to the letter regarding the use of tobacco in the country.

    Other stakeholders including the Management Sciences for Health (MHS), Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), and the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), pledged to discharge their responsibilities in curbing the menace of tobacco use among the younger generation.

  • ATAF taxes tobacco to boost revenue, fight health woes

    ATAF taxes tobacco to boost revenue, fight health woes

    The African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) are joining forces to launch a comprehensive tobacco tax project across Africa. This initiative aims to tackle two critical issues simultaneously:  curbing the negative health impacts of tobacco use and boosting domestic revenue mobilization for African countries.

    A statement from ATAF made available to The Nation, said the project is driven by a compelling rationale to: raise tobacco prices through taxation, considered to be the most effective way to reduce tobacco consumption.

    According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a 2019 report estimates that a 50 percent price increase via tax hikes could prevent 27.2 million premature deaths globally over 50 years.  Tobacco use is currently the leading preventable cause of death worldwide, responsible for 8 million deaths annually.

    The African Tax Outlook confirmed a lower tax-to-GDP ratio in Africa compared to other regions.

    ATAF and BMGF believe that “effective tobacco tax policies can significantly increase domestic revenue without distorting the economy or overburdening taxpayers. This revenue can be used to fund critical development initiatives across the continent”.

    ATAF will assist African nations in designing and implementing effective tobacco tax strategies. This includes developing optimal tax structures and rates through toolkits that enable countries to model the most impactful approaches.

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    The project will address the challenge of new and emerging tobacco and nicotine products, like e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches.  Many African countries currently lack excise duties on these products, hindering revenue collection and public health efforts.

    The project will also equip African countries with strategies to combat illicit trade in tobacco products, which robs governments of revenue and  presents public health risks.

     These measures can be adapted to fight illicit trade in other products as well.

    In addition, the project will provide training and resources to strengthen tax administration capabilities in African countries. This includes  effective monitoring of tax compliance by the tobacco industry and conducting audits and investigations of non-compliant entities.

    The project will promote the adoption of modern tax technologies such as production monitoring systems and track-and-trace systems to monitor tobacco products throughout the supply chain.

    While initially focused on tobacco, the project has a longer-term vision.  The success of this initiative could pave the way for similar tax strategies targeting other harmful products like sugary drinks and alcohol, further boosting domestic revenue and promoting public health across Africa.

  • Africa taxes tobacco to boost revenue, fight health woes

    Africa taxes tobacco to boost revenue, fight health woes

    The African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) are joining forces to launch a comprehensive tobacco tax project across Africa.

    This initiative aims to tackle two critical issues simultaneously:  curbing the negative health impacts of tobacco use and boosting domestic revenue mobilization for African countries.

    A statement from ATAF made available to The Nation said the project is driven by a compelling rationale to: raise tobacco prices through taxation, considered to be the most effective way to reduce tobacco consumption.

    According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a 2019 report estimates that a 50 percent price increase via tax hikes could prevent 27.2 million premature deaths globally over 50 years.  Tobacco use is currently the leading preventable cause of death worldwide, responsible for 8 million deaths annually.

    The African Tax Outlook confirmed a lower tax-to-GDP ratio in Africa compared to other regions. 

    Read Also: How tobacco industry circumvents regulations

    ATAF and BMGF believe that “effective tobacco tax policies can significantly increase domestic revenue without distorting the economy or overburdening taxpayers. This revenue can be used to fund critical development initiatives across the continent.”

    ATAF will assist African nations in designing and implementing effective tobacco tax strategies. This includes developing optimal tax structures and rates through toolkits that enable countries to model the most impactful approaches.

    The project will address the challenge of new and emerging tobacco and nicotine products, like e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches.  Many African countries currently lack excise duties on these products, hindering revenue collection and public health efforts.

    The project will also equip African countries with strategies to combat illicit trade in tobacco products, which robs governments of revenue and presents public health risks. These measures can be adapted to fight illicit trade in other products as well.

    In addition, the project will provide training and resources to strengthen tax administration capabilities in African countries. This includes effective monitoring of tax compliance by the tobacco industry and conducting audits and investigations of non-compliant entities.

    The project will promote the adoption of modern tax technologies such as production monitoring systems and track-and-trace systems to monitor tobacco products throughout the supply chain.

    While initially focused on tobacco, the project has a longer-term vision.

    The success of this initiative could pave the way for similar tax strategies targeting other harmful products like sugary drinks and alcohol, further boosting domestic revenue and promoting public health across Africa.

  • How tobacco industry circumvents regulations

    How tobacco industry circumvents regulations

    Nigeria records no fewer than 26,800 tobacco-related deaths annually. To make matters worse, the latest Tobacco Industry Interference Index shows that the tobacco industry has found and is exploiting weaknesses in the National Tobacco Control (NTC) Regulations 2019 to interfere in tobacco control  at the risk of public health and government revenue. CHINYERE OKOROAFOR reports

    Patrick Ngoka has been a chain smoker for over 25 years, even though he does not consider himself a cigarette addict. “I used to be a very heavy smoker, but I don’t smoke as much anymore. These days, I only smoke every December whenever I visit my village for the Yuletide. I may take two or more packs of cigarettes daily during this period.”

    Despite knowing the dangers of smoking, Patrick isn’t easily deterred. He has felt the impact on his health, especially when heavy smoking triggers coughing and chest issues. He admits it’s a bad habit and hopes to quit someday. “Sometimes when I smoke very heavily, it affects my chest and I begin to cough. So, I know it is a bad habit. I hope to stop someday though,” Patrick said.

    Patrick’s story sheds light on the struggle of breaking free from a cigarette addiction. According to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FADA), cigarettes, e-cigarettes and other tobacco products are so hard to quit because they contain nicotine, a highly addictive chemical that keeps people using tobacco products, even when they want to stop. Millions of other Nigerians are in that trap. A 2019 study titled “Current Prevalence Pattern of Tobacco Smoking in Nigeria: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis” estimated that “one out of 10 Nigerians still smokes daily.”

    Tough laws against tobacco entities

    Alarmingly, the tobacco industry – despite Nigeria’s enactment of tough regulations and campaigners’ efforts–is finding new ways to ensnare non-smokers. Some of the regulations are Nigeria’s National Tobacco Control (NTC) Act, which was signed into law on June 10, 2015, covers several areas of tobacco control, including regulation of smoking, the prohibition of tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship, regulation of tobacco products, contents and product packaging, licensing and protection from tobacco industry interference, among others.

    Regulations for implementing the Act which came four years after and is now known as the National Tobacco Control (NTC) Regulations 2019 gave more clarity on stakeholders’ obligations for effective tobacco control. Nigeria is also a signatory to the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) which came into force on January 18, 2006.

    Tobacco Industry

    Interference Index 2023

    Notwithstanding tough anti-smoking laws, the tobacco industry is exploiting loopholes to undermine efforts to check the problem. Some of its tricks were exposed last November in the Tobacco Industry Interference Index 2023, published by Pan-African transparency watchdog Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) with support from Bloomberg Philanthropies through the Centre for Good Governance.

    “While Nigeria’s National Tobacco Control Act and its regulations have largely checked the activities of tobacco corporations and entities, the industry has exploited some weaknesses in these laws and gaps in the system to interfere in tobacco control,” said CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi at the launch of the report in Lagos. One such tactic, Akinbode noted, “is the tobacco industry’s use and loud celebration of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities in the media and on social platforms as a way of enhancing its image to attract unsuspecting individuals, thereby creating a perception of the industry and its products as responsible and desirable. These CSR initiatives are further promoted by the endorsement of state authorities, who associate and collaborate with the industry to execute socio-economic empowerment programmes.”

    The report, the third in the series, shows a marked deterioration in Nigeria’s rating from 53 points in 2021 to 60 in the period under review. It noted that the main deterioration was the government’s failure to adhere to transparency mechanisms, especially relating to demands it is supposed to make of the industry or disclosure of exchanges with the industry as mandated by the National Tobacco Control Act 2015 and the National Tobacco Control Regulations 2019.

    These breaches are exploited maximally by the industry to interfere in public health policy. This report x-rays industry interference in policy development in Nigeria, their misleading CSR activities, benefits the tobacco industry enjoys, unnecessary interactions between the industry and public officials, transparency mechanisms in government dealings with the industry that are not strictly adhered to, conflict of interest and preventive measures, among others. The report reinforces the importance of parties adhering to the WHO FCTC guidelines which requested parties to protect their tobacco control policies from commercial and other vested interests of the tobacco industry (Article 5.3).

    Tobacco industry tricks

     According to the report, the main deterioration in tobacco industry interference in 2023 is manifest in the Nigerian government’s challenges and failure to adhere to transparency mechanisms, and disclosure of exchanges with the industry as mandated by the National Tobacco Control Act 2015 and the National Tobacco Control Regulations 2019. These breaches, the report noted, are exploited maximally by the tobacco industry to interfere in public health policies and deliberations. The report also flagged other areas of concern which include “the unnecessary and unhealthy interaction between the tobacco industry and public officials, mostly in the agriculture sector where top government officials have been documented in several instances, participating in the industry’s activities and openly lauding them; the tobacco industry celebrates its CSR activities in the mainstream and social media platforms as a way of enhancing its image to attract unsuspecting individuals; thereby creating a perception of the industry and its products as responsible and desirable. These CSR initiatives are further promoted by the endorsement of state authorities, who associate and collaborate with the industry to execute socio-economic empowerment programmes.

    “The weak enforcement of preventive measures, including ambiguities in the National Tobacco Control Act (NTCA) 2015, and its regulations of 2019 inadvertently allows the tobacco industry to operate without accountability in certain instances. For instance, while the NTCA mandates the tobacco industry to submit annual reports on tobacco and tobacco products, it also retains that the minister may choose to either disclose or withhold this information from the public. This optional transparency makes it difficult for public health advocates to verify whether compliance is being enforced or not.

    “The industry’s continued participation in policy development in Nigeria such as its enjoyment of invitations from the government inter-agency bodies and agencies to meetings where classified resolutions on public health are reached.”

     The human cost of

    tobacco smoke

     No fewer than 26,800 tobacco-related deaths are recorded annually in Nigeria, the Federal Government revealed in May last year. The National Coordinator, Non-Communicable Diseases Division of the Federal Ministry of Health, Dolapo Sanni, who spoke in Abuja at the launch of a research report on tobacco taxation and health financing in Nigeria, described the tobacco epidemic as one the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced.

    The research, conducted by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre and Tax Justice Network Africa, was titled ‘Tobacco Taxation and Health Financing in Nigeria Beyond COVID-19 Era.” The findings largely corroborate a 2021 study by the Centre for the Study of Economies of Africa (CSEA) which put the annual deaths at 28,876. CSEA’s research further found that smoking-related ailments burden the Nigerian healthcare system with a direct annual treatment cost of N526.45 billion, which was equivalent to 0.36 per cent of the Nigerian GDP in 2019, and 9.63 per cent of the country’s annual healthcare spending.’

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    Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was the top cause of smoking-attributable mortality, followed by ischemic heart disease, stroke, passive smoking, lower respiratory tract infection, and cardiovascular deaths of non-ischemic cause. Adding up productivity losses due to illness, early deaths and informal caregivers, tobacco-related diseases represented 0.44 per cent of the GDP in 2019, according to the study. A study on the estimated benefits of increasing cigarette prices through taxation on the burden of disease published in 2022 in the PLOS ONE journal, found that tobacco’s total economic burden accounts for ₦634 billion annu ally, considering direct treatment costs, productivity losses (due to early mortality and disability) and informal caregiving cost.

    It added that in Nigeria, the tax revenue generated by the sale of cigarettes (and other tobacco products) was around ₦36 billion in 2019, which covered only 6.9 per cent of the direct medical costs of smoking, or 5.7 per cent of the total financial burden.

    Way out of the problem

    To address tobacco industry interference challenges, the report urged the Federal Government to implement fully the National Tobacco Control Regulations 2019, and also review ambiguities in the law so that they do not provide revolving doors that the tobacco industry can exploit to interfere in public health and other government policies. “The Nigerian government must work to ensure that public officials in relevant ministries, departments and agencies sign conflict-of-interest forms periodically to remind them of commitments or obligations that may compromise their office and operations,” said Zikora Ibeh, Policy and Research Officer of CAPPA.

    Additionally, the report also urged state authorities to build inter-governmental synergy at all levels by establishing clear protocols for the full disclosures of minutes and proceedings from meetings and interactions with the tobacco industry. To begin, it advised relevant ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to consistently update their websites and other information platforms to facilitate the easy dissemination of information and engender transparency.

  • ‘Regulating tobacco, SSBs, others will fight cancer’

    ‘Regulating tobacco, SSBs, others will fight cancer’

    To mark World Cancer Day 2024, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has urged governments to address cancer by focusing on tobacco use, excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), and salt intake.

    CAPPA noted  the surge in cancer and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Nigeria, with over 120,000 new cases reported annually.

    In a statement by Media & Communications Officer, Robert Egbe, tobacco use is a major contributor to cancer and related fatalities.

    The organisation stressed the association between SSBs and obesity-related cancers, kidney and colon cancers, while underscoring the risk of stomach cancer linked to excessive salt intake.

    Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, emphasised the necessity for the government to tackle these issues.

    Read Also: NAFDAC seals three factories, seizes banned N6m products in Jos

    Oluwafemi said monitoring and regulating tobacco, SSBs, and salt would address the causes of cancer.

    He said: “The government cannot tackle cancer without addressing the risk factors holistically by taking actions against tobacco use, unhealthy consumption of salt, sugar-sweetened beverages, and others.”

    CAPPA urged governments to enforce tobacco control measures outlined in National Tobacco Control Act, 2015, and Nigeria Tobacco Control Regulations, 2019.

    This includes prohibiting smoking depiction in movies and implementing graphic health warnings, with penalties for violators.

    For SSBs, CAPPA recommended an increase in tax from N10 to N50 in 2024 Finance Act, collaboration with stakeholders to set up a comprehensive legislation.

    It called for development of policy guidelines for salt reduction targets, incorporating mandatory limits on salt in processed and packaged foods.

    CAPPA’s Food and Policy Manager, Abayomi Sarumi, stressed the importance of prioritizing legislation that promotes a healthy consumption culture, particularly in a country where over 80% of health expenditures are paid out-of-pocket.

    World Cancer Day, celebrated globally on February 4, focused on the theme “Close the Care Gap: Everyone Deserves Access to Cancer Care” this year.

  • BAT Nigeria appoints Karim advisory board chairman

    BAT Nigeria appoints Karim advisory board chairman

    British American Tobacco (BAT Nigeria) has announced the appointment of Kola Karim as its Advisory Board Chairman, effective November 1, 2023.

    Karim, the Agbaoye of Ibadan Land and currently Managing Director/Chairman of the Board of Directors of Shoreline Energy International, has over two decades of distinguished career span.

    As MD of Shoreline, he has successfully led the company in navigating complex challenges and driving sustainable growth, and he will bring his wealth of experience and expertise to bear on his new role at BAT Nigeria.

    In his capacity as BAT’s Advisory Board Chairman, he will provide strategic guidance and oversight to BAT Nigeria, leveraging his extensive leadership experience and industry knowledge to support the company’s continued success in the dynamic and evolving market.

    Speaking on his appointment, Managing Director, BAT West and Central Africa, Yarub Al Bahrani, said: “We are pleased to welcome such a distinguished expert to chair our advisory board as his proven track record of leadership makes him an excellent fit.

    Read Also: Young agripreneurs get BATNF’s grant

    “We believe that under his guidance, BAT will continue to thrive, delivering value to our stakeholders and upholding the highest standards of corporate governance in realising BAT’s ‘A Better Tomorrow purpose.”

    Al Bahrani noted that Karim’s appointment aligns seamlessly with BAT Nigeria’s strategic goals, and the company looks forward to the valuable contributions he will make to the organisation.

    Commenting on his appointment, Karim, expressed his delight, stating, “I am honoured to take on the role of Chairman on the BAT Advisory board. The company is renowned for its commitment to excellence, innovation, and responsible business practices.

    “I am eager to work collaboratively with the board and management to contribute to the continued success of BAT.”

    BAT has been involved in the manufacturing business in Nigeria for over 100 years, contributing to the domestic production and diversification of the country’s economy beyond oil.

    In 2003, it commissioned its world class state-of-the-art $185 million factory in Ibadan, Oyo State. BAT has been recognized as one of the top 10 consistent non-oil exporter putting ‘Made in Nigeria’ goods on the West and Central Africa map. 

    Through this Advisory Board, BAT reinforces its long-term commitment to doing business in Nigeria and its pledge to continue to invest, so long as the company is empowered to do this in a conducive business environment.

  • Tobacco industry interference: Nigeria slips in 2023 ratings

    Tobacco industry interference: Nigeria slips in 2023 ratings

    There is a significant increase in the interference of tobacco industry in public health policies, the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has said in its report on the state of the tobacco industry interference in Nigeria.

     The report also mentioned that the interference is more on tobacco control measures. It was produced by CAPPA, with support from Bloomberg Philanthropies through the Centre for Good Governance.

     According to the report, Nigeria’s rating dropped from 53 points in 2021 to 60 in 2023.

    The Civil Society Organisation (CSO) has therefore urged the Federal Government to end interference of the tobacco industry in public health.

    The report also explained that the main deterioration is manifest in the government’s challenges and failure to adhere to transparency mechanisms, and disclosure of exchanges with the industry as mandated by the National Tobacco Control Act 2015 and the National Tobacco Control Regulations 2019.

    These breaches, it noted, were exploited maximally by the tobacco industry to interfere in public health policies and deliberations.

    The report also flagged other areas of concern, such as the ‘unnecessary and unhealthy interaction between the tobacco industry and public officials, mostly in the agriculture sector, where top government officials have been documented in several instances, to participate in the industry’s activities and openly lauding them’.

    Another area is the industry’s use and loud celebration of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in the media and on social platforms to enhance its image, thus attracting unsuspecting individuals and creating a perception of the industry and its products as responsible and desirable. ‘These CSR initiatives are further promoted by the endorsement of state authorities, who associate and collaborate with the industry to execute socio-economic empowerment programmess. 

    To address these challenges, the report urged the government to implement the National Tobacco Control Regulations 2019 fully, and also review ambiguities in the law so they do not provide revolving doors that the tobacco industry can exploit to interfere in public health and other policies of the government.

    Read Also: WHO, others lament tobacco industry interference in Nigeria

    Policy and Research Officer of CAPPA, Zikora Ibeh said, ‘‘The Nigerian government must work to ensure that public officials in relevant ministries, departments and agencies sign conflict-of-interest forms periodically to remind them of commitments or obligations that may compromise their office and operations,’’

    Additionally, the report also tasked state authorities to build intergovernmental synergy at all levels by establishing clear protocols for the full disclosures of minutes and proceedings from meetings and interactions with the tobacco industry. To begin, it advised relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to consistently update their websites and other information platforms to facilitate the easy dissemination of information and engender transparency.

    Researchers at CAPPA measured and evaluated incidents of tobacco industry interference in Nigeria against 20 questions based on the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control’s (WHO FCTC’s) Article 5.3 guidelines. These guidelines urge member states to adopt robust measures for safeguarding their tobacco control policies from the influence of the tobacco industry. 

    CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi said: ‘‘Whilst Nigeria’s National Tobacco Control Act and its Regulations have largely checked the activities of tobacco corporations and entities, the industry has exploited some weaknesses in these laws and gaps in the system to interfere in tobacco control.’’

    The WHO FCTC came into force in 2005 and is the world’s first treaty dedicated to public health on a global scale. It was developed in response to a growing tobacco epidemic and provides a comprehensive legal framework for international cooperation in health matters.

    Nigeria ratified the WHO FCTC on 20 October 2005, and it entered into force on 18 January 2006. Nigeria’s National Tobacco Control Act which was signed into law on 10 June 2015 covers several areas of tobacco control including regulation of smoking, the prohibition of tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship, regulation of tobacco products, content and product packaging, licensing and protection from tobacco industry interference, among others. The Regulations for implementing the Act arrived four years later in 2019 and gave more clarity on stakeholder’s obligations for effective tobacco control.

  • Fed Govt decries youths abuse of tobacco

    Fed Govt decries youths abuse of tobacco

    The Federal Government has decried the use of tobacco among youths in the country.

    The government said it was concerned that adolescents between ages 13 and 15 had reported used e-cigarettes.

    Minister of Youth Development Dr Jamila Ibrahim said this in Abuja when the Regional Director, Tobacco Control Programme (AFRO) Campaign for Tobacco – Free Kids (CTFK), Bintou Bityeki paid her a courtesy visit.

    A recent assessment conducted by CTFK has revealed a widespread use and access to tobacco among youth in Nigeria.

    Ibrahim said that tobacco smoking among youths was a big challenge facing the country.

    The minister said Nigeria needs to partner and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to educate Nigerians to understand the health implications of tobacco smoking among young people.

    She said: “We will focus on adolescent health. It is the area we need to be proactive in putting mechanisms in place to achieve a preventive approach to tobacco smoking among the kids.

    “We must work with the act that bans tobacco smoking in public places especially to prevent second hand smoke.

    “Our youth are particularly vulnerable to the effects of nicotine contained in tobacco, given its highly addictive nature and the fact that it can disrupt their brain development.

    “More concerning is the fact that our adolescents between ages 13 and 15 have reported use of e-cigarettes, and of those who have used tobacco, 80% have used it before the age of 14 years. And we want you to note that this is not confined to a particular parish or socio-economic group – it is occurring across the length and breadth of Nigeria.”

    The minister said the Tobacco World Day is celebrated annually to raise awareness and action towards the elimination of the use of tobacco given its harmful effects on human health and development.

    To address existing gaps and challenges in the country, the minister said the ministry will develop a comprehensive national campaign against smoking, especially sales of cigarettes at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps and public places.

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    Also speaking, Bityeki said that the organisation was in the country to campaign and educate Nigerians on the danger of tobacco smoking.

    She said: “We are the leading advocacy organisations in the world that advocate against tobacco smoking. We are focusing on tobacco control.

    “Tobacco smoking is the leading cause of preventable deaths. That is why it is important that we tackle tobacco prevention.”

    According to her, tobacco companies targeted the young people in order to safeguard their profits.

    She said that it was important to tackle tobacco control because the world was facing an incredible enemy that may affect public health issues.

  • Harm reduction should guide tobacco regulations, say medical experts

    Harm reduction should guide tobacco regulations, say medical experts

    Stakeholders in the health sector have been challenged to consider harm reduction as a key guide to drive public health strategies in Africa.

    Harm reduction refers to interventions aimed at reducing the negative effects of health behaviours without necessarily extinguishing the problematic health behaviours entirely or permanently.

    Speaking during the third annual Harm Reduction Exchange, themed ‘Amplifying the voice of Harm Reduction advocacy across Africa’, President of the African Medical Association and the Association of Medical Councils of Africa, Dr. Kgosi Letlape, tasked African governments to adopt harm reduction approaches when regulating public health challenges.

    Harm reduction, he said, is a more transformative strategy than prohibition-based policies, and is better than simply advocating for complete abstinence. He added that harm reduction is a better approach to reducing tobacco-related death and disease.”

    “Harm reduction is a practical and transformative approach that incorporates community-driven public health strategies including prevention, risk reduction, and health promotion to empower people who use drugs and their families with the choice to live healthy and self directed,” Dr. Letlape said.

    He hoped that lobbying efforts will spark renewed conversations on tobacco harm reduction among stakeholders, including regulators and policymakers, which could lead to effective regulation and access to noncombustible product alternatives for adult smokers who are unable or uninterested in quitting.

    Dr. Letlape added that across the world, harm reduction strategies have been deployed in public health ‘as a pragmatic and compassionate approach to address various issues, particularly in the context of substance use and other risky behaviors’.

    Read Also: Experts mull harm reduction strategy for Nigerian tobacco users

    Some of these strategies, according to him, include Needle Exchange Programs, supervised injection sites, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), Vaping and E-Cigarettes, and supervised consumption of medications.

    In her remarks, Dr. Vivianne Manyeki noted that “organisations which practice harm reduction incorporate a spectrum of strategies that meet people where they are on their own terms, and may serve as a pathway to additional health and social services, including prevention, treatment, and recovery services.

    Integra Africa Principal, Dr. Tendai Mhizha emphasised the role that journalists and media houses should play in handling misinformation and disinformation in tobacco harm reduction discussions.

    She said: “The media plays a critical role in accelerating the progress towards full uptake of harm reduction strategies in all spheres of health across the continent. With the advent of technology, misinformation and disinformation are becoming increasingly prevalent with the democratisation of the information space.

    “Moving forward, there is need to ensure that stakeholders are well informed with current and relevant information about the science, the changes that occur and how we can advance towards a smoke-free world.”

    As of 2020, about 86 countries had one or more programmes using a harm reduction approach to substance use.

  • Eighth NASS and tobacco regulations

    The promise by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara that the 8th National Assembly will speedily adopt the draft National Tobacco Control Regulations communicated to it in December 2018 by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) is commendable and should be actualized as a parting gift to Nigerians.

    Dogara at a recent Interactive Session on the National Tobacco Control Regulation organised by the House Committee on Delegated Legislation in Abuja, said that the National Tobacco Control Act, 2015, has widened the areas where tobacco smoking is prohibited in Nigeria in furtherance of the right of every person to a clean and healthy environment and protection from exposure to second-hand smoke.

    He quoted a recent report by the Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) which estimated that the Nigerian government spends as much as $591 million yearly on treatment of patients suffering from tobacco-induced diseases to justify the need for prompt action.

    For the public health community nothing could be more reassuring than this pledge at a time that public confidence in the Parliamentary approval for the Regulation seems to be waning. The National Assembly had indeed been quiet on the Regulations since 2018 when the FEC communicated the draft document to it for consideration.

    The euphoria that has greeted this news notwithstanding, Nigerians do not want a flat regulation that does not address the crucial recommendations of the World Health Organisation – Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WH0-FCTC) as captured in the NTC Act.

    This is why the work of Simon Arabo-led committee on delegated legislation on the tobacco control regulation must be commended for seeking the input of civil society and other stakeholders to ensure the regulations reflect popular yearnings.

    On its part, the Federal Ministry of Health being the custodian of the health of Nigerians has carefully crafted the draft regulations in consultation with other stakeholders to ensure that it is of the same standard as is obtained in other parts of the world.

    One of the draft regulations requires that tobacco product manufacturers, importers or distributors submit a report to the Federal Minister of Health at the end of every calendar year, and not later than at the end of the first quarter of the succeeding calendar year, stating among other things the quantity of tobacco products produced; quantities exported from Nigeria and their audited annual statement of account.

    This requirement, the Ministry believes, is in tandem with recommendations of the WHO FCTC that Parties institute record-keeping mechanisms as part of strategies to monitor tobacco use and prevention policies. For a nation like Nigeria already inundated with unregistered tobacco products that are openly sold in the open market, no less a recommendation is required.

    On cigarette packs, the Ministry wants the age-long text warning which says ‘The Federal Ministry of Health warns that smokers are liable to die young’ to be replaced with a combination of text and graphic pictorial health warning messages. These messages are to be printed on 80% of the principal display surfaces of all tobacco product packages, as is practised in other nations that have equally signed, ratified and are now implementing the WHO-FCTC to the letter.

    India and China for instance, apply 85% combination of text and graphic pictorial health warning messages on their tobacco packages. African countries like the Gambia apply 75% of text and graphic pictorial health warning messages on their tobacco packages. Cameroon, Chad, and Senegal apply 70% each. The aim of this is to reduce the attractiveness of tobacco products, eliminate the effects of tobacco packaging as a form of advertising and promotion, and increase the notice-ability and effectiveness of health warnings, among others. Tobacco products will also not contain any other text, images, symbols, colours, signs, or other contents, including any trademarks or brand imaging, in whole or part.

    To ensure that the nation’s tobacco control policies are insulated from the tobacco industry meddling, the Regulations reinforce the fact that infiltration of tobacco control by any entity with conflict of interest will jeopardize the goals of the public health policy and sets the basic standard for public officials engaging with tobacco entities.

    For violation of the law there are financial penalties also.  Section 37 of the Act states that property forfeited to the State shall be channeled into a Tobacco Control Fund (TCF) established. Examples of countries that are implementing such measure are Botswana, Egypt, Iceland, Panama, Philippines, Poland, Romania, and Thailand.

    With the far-reaching nature of the draft Regulations on public health, it is not out of place to express fears that the tobacco industry might throw spanner in the wheel of its progress. Their aversion to licensing of tobacco products in the country and graphic health warnings the size that the Health ministry is proposing might just be snippets of what they may be cooking up to possibly derail the approval of the regulations as the June 2019 expiration of the 8th National Assembly nears.

    If that should happen, God forbid, the entire process of getting the FEC to approve the draft put together by the Health Ministry will start all over again and possibly take another four years to reach the point we currently find ourselves.

    There are no better words that capture the moment as what is credited to the Minister of State for Health, Professor Osagie Ehanire in the Health ministry’s memorandum to the House Committee that, it is clearly better and cheaper to prevent tobacco-linked diseases than to cure them. This is what the approval of the Regulations mean and this is what Nigerians demand of the 8th National Assembly.

     

    • Achike writes from Minna, Niger State