The Nigeria Tobacco Control Alliance (NTCA) has emphasised the need for Graphic Health Warning Signs (GHWS) to reduce the economic burden of tobacco use across the country. The chairman, Akinbode Oluwafemi, while briefing the media on Friday in Abuja, called for implementation of Graphic Health Warnings on all tobacco products. He explained that the graphic health warnings can reduce the appeal of tobacco products, making them less attractive to young people as this year’s World No Tobacco Day theme is “Protecting Children Against Tobacco Industry Interference”.
Akinbode said the profit-centered tobacco industry producing, importing and distributing these tobacco products is foot-dragging to implement the policy because it knows that graphic health warnings reduce the number of people who start smoking, just as it encourages current smokers to quit. He said the tobacco industry should not undermine the laws governing its business in Nigeria and it can also help to reduce the amount of tobacco consumed by current smokers. “By cutting the number of people who start smoking and encouraging current smokers to quit, thus lowering the costs associated with treating tobacco-related diseases.
“According to the Centre for the Studies of Economies of Africa, CSEA, it is responsible for the death of over 28,000 people annually in Nigeria. If the current trends continue, this number is expected to rise significantly in the coming years. “There are growing concerns in Nigeria .
