The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has urged governments at all levels to embark on effective enforcement of the National Tobacco Control Act 2015 and the National Tobacco Regulation 2019 to protect the nation’s children from the menace of tobacco addiction and its associated health costs. This is contained in a statement signed by its Media & Communications Officer, Robert Egbe. The statement issued to mark this year’s World No Tobacco Day (WNTD- 2024), commended the Nigerian Films and Censors Board (NFVCB) for introducing the regulation that seeks to end the glamorisation of smoking in movies and films, saying the regulation will help curb youth initiation in the country.
This year’s WNTD theme: “Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference” is aimed at raising awareness on how the tobacco industry continues to target young persons as replacement for smokers who die or quit the habit. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), In 2022, at least 37 million young people between 13 and 15 years use some form of tobacco globally. Many youths are taking to new products by the industry that include electronic cigarette, Shisha, etc.
“With growing evidence showing that the tobacco industry deliberately targets our youths, the Nigerian government must intensify efforts for diligent enforcement of the Tobacco Act, particularly sections that protect initiation and the health of young ones, said Akinbode Oluwafemi, CAPPA e.
