Nigeria became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on January 18, 2006 and so much progress has been made to control tobacco in recent years.

However, much needs to be done as people still die and get sick from tobacco smoking-related illnesses which continues to mount. The need for citizens’ wellbeing needs to be improved through accurate information and awareness campaign.

The Federal Government through the Ministry of Health has lamented the high consumption rate of tobacco in the country, saying that about 4.5 million Nigerians consumed 20 billion cigarettes yearly. “According to Nigeria’s adult tobacco survey, over 20 billion sticks of cigarettes are consumed in the country by 4.5 million adults. This is 5.6 per cent of the country’s population annually. The survey shows that 4.1 million men and 500,000 women smoke in Nigeria, while 6.4 million adults are exposed to smokers.

Tobacco harms the wellbeing of citizens of the nation, the treasure and the spirit of Nigeria. Over 16000 of her people die from tobacco related diseases and this death toll will continue to grow every years if nothing is done to mitigate this as more than 7513000 of the populace continue to use tobaccos each day (25000 children inclusive between the age of 10-14 years old).

Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) enthusiasts in the country must reach out to the global community and resources to strengthen their efforts and create the required change.

According to Tobacco Atlas and WHO international, smoking population in Nigeria is fewer than other countries within the low human development index. However, the death rate and smoke related illnesses caused by smoking can not be ignored. This report was last updated on the 31st December 2016 by WHO and in 2013 by Tobacco Atlas.

E-cigarette and other reduced risk products are legal in Nigeria. Nigerians have little exposure to or knowledge of alternatives to combustible cigarettes.

If you need help or someone to talk to, please contact us.

References

https://tobaccoatlas.org/country/nigeria/

https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/legislation/country/nigeria/summary

https://www.vapetrotter.com/laws/africa/nigeria/#toggle-id-1

https://www.vapetrotter.com/laws/africa/nigeria/#toggle-id-2

https://0www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/legislation/country/nigeria/ec-policies