The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has called on the National Assembly to increase the tobacco control budget from N10 million to N300 million in the proposed 2025 national budget. Highlighting over 26,800 annual tobacco-related deaths in Nigeria, CAPPA emphasized the urgent need for greater funding to address health and environmental challenges tied to tobacco use.
Key Points:
1. Health Impacts of Tobacco Use:
- Tobacco consumption leads to non-communicable diseases like cancer, heart disease, and chronic respiratory illnesses.
- These illnesses cost billions annually in healthcare expenses and lost productivity.
2. Environmental Damage:
- Tobacco farming contributes to deforestation and soil degradation.
- Cigarette waste exacerbates pollution.
3. Regulatory and Funding Challenges:
- Unregulated tobacco and nicotine products are increasingly marketed to youth via social media and corporate initiatives.
- The National Tobacco Control Committee (NATOCC) struggles due to limited funding.
4. Appeal for Budgetary Increase:
- CAPPA urges full operationalization of the National Tobacco Control Fund, established in the National Tobacco Control Act (2015).
- The additional funds would support public sensitization, enforcement of laws, and farmer transition programs.
Call to Action:
CAPPA has petitioned Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to ensure decisive action in strengthening Nigeria’s tobacco control framework to safeguard public health and the environment.
