KEY POINTS
- Lawmakers call for a N100 million ($62,500) boost to the Tobacco Control Fund.
- Tobacco use in Nigeria contributes to 30,000 preventable deaths annually.
- Increased funding is critical for enforcing tobacco control laws.
The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to allocate N100 million ($62,500) to Nigeria’s Tobacco Control Fund for the 2025 fiscal year.
The request, which came during Wednesday’s plenary session, follows the adoption of a motion urging the government to increase funding for the Tobacco Control Fund, which plays a critical role in tackling tobacco-related health issues in the country.
The motion, moved by Bassey Akiba, the representative for Calabar Municipal/Odukpani Federal Constituency in Cross River State, highlighted the need for enhanced funding to effectively enforce the National Tobacco Control Act of 2015.
Akiba explained that Section 8 of the Act mandates the allocation of funds to the National Tobacco Control Committee, whose job is to enforce the law and reduce the harmful impact of tobacco consumption.
“Though the Federal Government has increased its financial commitment to the Tobacco Control Fund for the 2024 budget, raising the allocation from N4.7 million to N10 million, this amount is still far from adequate,” Akiba said.
He emphasized that the existing funding is insufficient for the fund to effectively address the growing health risks posed by tobacco use across the nation.
Lawmakers stress the health risks of tobacco use
Akiba further stressed that tobacco consumption continues to be a major health concern in Nigeria, contributing to preventable diseases and deaths.
According to the lawmaker, tobacco-related illnesses cause nearly 30,000 deaths annually in Nigeria, including from cancer, cardiovascular disease, and stroke. He pointed out that tobacco consumption also leads to a decrease in life expectancy by up to 10 years.
“Tobacco control is a national priority due to its significant impact on preventable deaths, including cancer, and its annual economic cost,” Akiba added.
He also highlighted that cigarette smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, with about 70 of them known to cause cancer.
Additionally, secondhand smoke significantly raises the risk of heart attacks and lung cancer for non-smokers, with exposure increasing the chances of heart attacks by 60 percent and lung cancer by 30 percent.
According to Punch, Akiba noted that there is no safe level of exposure to tobacco smoke, further underscoring the need for urgent and sustained action.
Government urged to increase funding and provide updates
With the adoption of the motion, the House of Representatives called on the federal government to raise the allocation for the Tobacco Control Fund from N10 million in 2024 to N100 million in 2025..
The lawmakers also urged the Federal Ministry of Health to provide a detailed update on the fund’s current balance, sources of income, and previous expenditures.
The motion emphasized that sufficient funding is necessary for the National Tobacco Control Committee and other relevant agencies to carry out their enforcement duties, including ensuring the prohibition of smoking in public spaces, banning tobacco advertising, and restricting sponsorships of tobacco-related events.
It also stressed that Nigeria’s frail healthcare system requires proper financing to combat tobacco-related diseases, as tobacco use is a significant risk factor for non-communicable diseases such as respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular disorders, and cancer.
“The government needs to prioritize tobacco control and prevention to avoid further strain on our healthcare system,” Akiba concluded.
