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Tag: Anjola Fatuase

  • A Race Against Time: The Impending Consequences of Delayed Tobacco Control Funding

    A Race Against Time: The Impending Consequences of Delayed Tobacco Control Funding

    National Tobacco Control (NTC) Act 2015 may be exploited by the tobacco industry to deepen their reach in the Nigerian market.

    Recently, tobacco control activists in Lagos raised the alarm about the influx of new tobacco products without the mandatory Graphic Health Warnings (GHWs), which the Federal Government introduced in 2021.

    These health warnings were introduced as a crucial component of the NTC Act of 2015 and the subsequent National Tobacco Control Regulations of 2019. The urgency of the situation is further underscored by the Act’s stipulation for a periodic review of these warnings every two years, a measure aimed at ensuring their continued relevance and effectiveness.

    Currently, the new graphic health warnings prominently display the grim message; Smoking Causes

    Mouth Cancer; accompanied by a distressing image illustrating the effects of this devastating disease. In contrast, the previous warning only stated: The Ministry of Health warns that smokers are liable to die young; and no graphic displays.

    Monitoring activities by tobacco control activists show that some local companies marketing tobacco accessories still display and sell products without the prescribed graphic warnings, openly flouting the NTC Act of 2015 and its Regulations. This breach of regulatory requirements raises significant concerns about the effectiveness of measures designed to safeguard public health.

    Pundits have warned over time that the paucity of funds for agencies of government such as the Federal Competition; Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), the Nigeria Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to carry out enforcement activities simultaneously across the country may hamper the fight against tobacco use and addiction.

    Addressing this issue effectively demands a multifaceted approach that includes not only regulatory compliance but also the allocation of adequate resources to enforcement agencies. Only through such concerted efforts can we hope to confront an industry determined to market lethal products.

    The 2023 Appropriation Act has earmarked a sum of ₦4.7 million for the implementation of the NTC Act of 2015 and its accompanying Regulations of 2019. While this allocation is certainly a commendable step taken by the Nigerian government in the battle against tobacco and related issues, it falls woefully short when measured against the magnitude of the task at hand. The budgetary provision, though a positive gesture, pales in comparison to the resources required for a comprehensive and effective execution of tobacco control initiatives in Nigeria. An example of the challenges faced in the enforcement of GHW. These activities gulp substantial resources.

    Unfortunately, the tobacco industry sees this lacuna as an opportunity. Due to funding limitations, various government agencies and ministries are increasingly compelled to enter partnerships with tobacco companies that possess considerable financial resources to throw cheaply around in implementing their activities.

    This collaboration with the industry raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and underscores the pressing need for more substantial financial backing to safeguard public health effectively.

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    Section 8 of the NTC Act of 2015 establishes a pivotal mechanism known as the Tobacco Control Fund, which serves as a financial reservoir to bolster the efforts of government agencies engaged in tobacco control efforts within Nigeria. This fund is strategically designed to facilitate the financing of various activities undertaken by these agencies, with the overarching goal of ensuring effective tobacco control measures throughout the country.

    As outlined in the Act, the sources contributing to this fund are diverse and include annual budgetary allocations, financial assistance from both Federal and State Governments, contributions from entities that align with the objectives of the Act through gifts, donations and testamentary dispositions, as well as licensing fees collected from tobacco manufacturers, importers, and distributors.

    The advantages and utility of the Tobacco Control Fund extend beyond mere financial support. It offers a dedicated and protected source of funding, specifically earmarked for critical programs and activities. An additional and significant advantage is the reduced dependence on external donor funding, providing a more sustainable approach to tobacco control efforts.

    The allocation of these funds caters to a broad spectrum of essential activities, including the enforcement of the provisions stipulated in the NTC Act 2015, the training of enforcement agents, and raising awareness about tobacco harm through comprehensive campaigns. Furthermore, resources can be channeled towards vital services such as cessation services, which are instrumental in supporting individuals seeking to quit tobacco use.

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    Additionally, the fund can contribute to research focused on alternate cropping methods that promote both health and environmentally friendly practices among farmers.

    It could also come useful in the monitoring and evaluation of tobacco control activities, ensuring accountability and the continued effectiveness of these efforts. In sum, the Tobacco Control Fund stands as a crucial instrument in the pursuit of comprehensive tobacco control strategies within Nigeria, with its potential to positively impact public health and reduce the burden of tobacco-related diseases. Unfortunately, the government is yet to tap the wealth of opportunity the Fund will open.

    The Federal Government has a critical opportunity at hand to invest in the well-being of its citizens by taking decisive action in the realm of tobacco control. With every passing day, the risk of more lives being claimed by tobacco and tobacco-related ailments looms large.

    It is, therefore, incumbent on the Nigerian government to act swiftly and decisively by increasing the budgetary allocation for tobacco control in the 2024 national budget.

    This decision carries not only financial implications, but also a profound moral duty to protect the health and future of the nation. Any delay in this vital step could tragically result in the loss of more lives, a scenario that can and must be prevented through prompt and adequate funding.

  • IWD: Flowers to Women in Tobacco Control

    IWD: Flowers to Women in Tobacco Control

    International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global celebration that honours the progress and accomplishments of women around the world. It serves as a platform to highlight the invaluable contributions women make in all spheres of society.

    Throughout history, women have continually showcased their capabilities and prowess, proving time and again that they can excel in various domains. However, amidst these advancements, the tobacco industry poses a significant threat to the well-being of women, particularly targeting young women with addictive and harmful new tobacco products such as shisha and vapes.

    The introduction of new heated products like vapes have only intensified the tobacco industry’s focus on young people. The sleek designs, fruity flavours, and deceptive marketing campaigns of these products make them appealing to a younger demographic.

    The tobacco industry exploits the desire for social acceptance and rebellion that is often prevalent in adolescence, targeting vulnerable young women who may be more susceptible to peer influence.

    The tobacco industry employs aggressive marketing tactics that not only undermine the progress women have made but also put their health at risk. Despite these challenges, women have played a pivotal role in the fight against tobacco, actively engaging in tobacco control efforts.

    Their resilience and determination have propelled them to advocate for policies and initiatives that protect individuals, especially women, from the harmful effects of tobacco use.

    Furthermore, the marketing strategies employed by the industry often manipulate and exploit the aspirations and insecurities of young women, using tactics that appeal to femininity, independence, and empowerment.

    This calculated approach seeks to create a false sense of association between tobacco use and personal freedom or empowerment.

    However, there is still much work to be done in combating the tobacco epidemic and safeguarding women’s health. It is crucial to rally more women to join the campaign against tobacco use, urging them to stand up against the tobacco industry’s attempts to lure them into addiction.

    By actively participating in awareness campaigns and supporting legislation that curbs tobacco use, women can make a significant difference in the lives of individuals and their communities.

    International Women’s Day serves as a poignant reminder of the progress women have achieved and the challenges they continue to face. It is a day to celebrate their achievements, strength, and resilience while working together to create a healthier and more equitable future for all.

    Today, we give deserved flowers to all women working to ensure that our communities are healthy and tobacco-free, and reaffirm our commitment to empowering women and advancing their health and well-being by standing together in the fight against tobacco.

    Fatuase works with Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), while Ashibel is of the Nigeria Tobacco Control Alliance (NTCA).

  • Saving School Children From Tobacco, E-Cigarette Vendors

    Saving School Children From Tobacco, E-Cigarette Vendors

    Fifteen years after the National Assembly enacted the National Tobacco Control Act (NTCA) to protect Nigerians from the dangers of tobacco, the problem of the tobacco industry’s unhealthy relations with minors continues to be a talking point.

    A case in point is the recent investigation by a tobacco control advocate, GST, which revealed that vendors are having a field day dispensing the tobacco industry’s products of death and diseases to children.

    GST’s findings, partly published in a video on its X handle, showed several vendors on the streets of Abuja, freely selling cigarettes, vapes and other kinds of e-cigarettes to school children. Not only is this morally reprehensible, but it has further emphasised the fears of tobacco control advocates that tobacco corporations are – whether by hook or by crook – finding ways to reach their target: the youth.

    Ultimately, their goal is to recruit a new generation of young Nigerians addicted to smoking as a replacement for older victims who die from smoking or manage to quit the habit. About 28,876 Nigerians die of smoking-related diseases annually. The tobacco industry increasingly preys on children and adolescents, employing advertising tactics both online and offline to target them directly with a portfolio of products that threaten their health. The industry is rapidly rebranding existing products and launching new articles promoted as sophisticated to young people. It is using every means to expand its market offerings to manoeuvre or beat public health regulations.

    Globally, the tobacco industry has been very successful in killing its customers. According to the WHO, there are 1.3 billion tobacco users worldwide. That number would be even larger if tobacco didn’t kill half of its users who don’t quit. Every four seconds, tobacco takes another life. No fewer than eight million persons died from tobacco use last year, including an estimated 1.3 million non-smokers who were exposed to second-hand smoke. Decades of the tobacco industry’s deception and devious tactics have hooked generations of users to nicotine and tobacco, driving a global epidemic.

    In the video, GST volunteers, dressed as underaged pupils, went out to buy cigarettes and vapes in Abuja. Incredibly, every vendor agreed to sell to them, blatantly flouting tobacco control laws. Since 2015, the NTCA has banned the sale of tobacco products to persons under 18 years. This includes cigarettes, vapes and all other tobacco products. Any vendor who violates this law is liable to spend one year in prison (or/and) a fine of N200,000.

    However, as is common knowledge in Nigeria and globally, laws do not seem to deter the industry. Tobacco corporations, using their substantial financial resources, relentlessly try to circumvent national regulations and laws. Only last November, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) fined British American Tobacco Nigeria Limited (BATN) and its affiliates an unprecedented $110 million for violating national tobacco control regulations, among other laws.

    The GST’s investigation, supported by video evidence, is another incontrovertible instance of the industry and its affiliates undermining public health policies. To this, the Nigerian state must respond firmly, especially with the lives of young children at stake.

    Thankfully, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) is taking a tough stance to protect children, starting from the home front. The FCTA has urged the Federal Government to initiate a law that will prosecute parents who send children on errands to buy tobacco-related products. According to Dr. Doris John, FCTA’s Director, Public Health Department, more than 25, 000 children between 10 and 14 years are daily tobacco users in Nigeria, while the age of tobacco use initiation is between 13 and 15 years. John, who was quoted by the Vanguard newspaper on June 11, 2024, added that secondary school and university studies showed ‘shisha’ smoking rates between 3 to 7 per cent.

    To save our children, we join the GST in demanding that the government impose proof of age verification as a condition for the sale of tobacco and related products. We also urge the government to enforce the law and punishments on erring vendors and shield children from predatory tobacco marketing tactics.

    Egbe and Fatuase work with Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA).