FG to enforce tobacco law, inaugurates advisory committee

The Federal Government will adopt all legal and administrative measures to ensure effective implementation of the National Tobacco Control Act, the Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, has said.

The minister who spoke in Abuja recently at the inauguration of the National Tobacco Control Committee (NATOC) affirmed Federal Government’s commitment towards safeguarding and protecting the health of Nigerians from the risks posed by the use of tobacco and tobacco products.

“There is no permissible limit for tobacco use in whichever method, form or disguise, because it is harmful to health. Tobacco, when used exactly as intended by the tobacco industry will maim and kill more than half of its users. Globally, tobacco use is responsible for six million deaths through many medical conditions notably cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, and cancers,” he said.

He also charged the committee members to take on their roles and responsibilities effectively, adding that tobacco has been red-flagged by both local and international health communities as a poisonous and highly addictive substance that requires urgent intervention.

The committee, which is headed by Professor Ukoli Onawefe of the University of Jos, will advise and make recommendations to the minister on the development and implementation of tobacco control policies, strategies, plans, programmes and projects, in accordance with World Health Organisation (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), its implementing guidelines and protocols.