The Protecting and Activating Communities against Tobacco (PACT) Lagos hub has urged for increased funding to strengthen tobacco control efforts and enforce the Lagos State No Smoking Law. This call was made during an advocacy march held in partnership with the Lagos Youth Parliament and Lagos Kick Against Drug Abuse, where PACT emphasized the need for better awareness and stricter enforcement of tobacco control regulations.
Challenges in Tobacco Control Enforcement
PACT, a subsidiary of Voices for Tobacco Control, highlighted several concerns regarding the inadequate enforcement of tobacco control policies in Lagos, despite the state’s adoption of the National Tobacco Control Act. George Adjete, PACT’s project lead, expressed regret that even though the Lagos State government had domesticated the National Tobacco Control Act, public awareness and enforcement remained insufficient.
He raised alarms over the lax enforcement of tobacco control regulations, which has led to the proliferation of online tobacco advertisements and the marketing of emerging products like shisha. Despite the Lagos No Smoking Law, which mandates smoke-free environments in public spaces, violations remain common, exposing citizens to harmful secondhand smoke.
Tobacco’s Public Health Impact
The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies tobacco use as a leading cause of premature death and disability, with about 29,000 Nigerians dying annually from tobacco-related diseases. Secondhand smoke, in particular, increases the risk of heart disease, lung cancer, and stroke. Yet, many public spaces still allow smoking, and even those where smoking is prohibited often permit shisha use, further exposing individuals to these health risks.
Adjete emphasized that children are particularly vulnerable, often encountering tobacco products in retail spaces, which are displayed prominently without restriction. He also highlighted the dangers posed by shisha, which is marketed as a less harmful alternative to cigarettes but still carries significant health risks.
Urgent Call for Increased Funding
The advocacy march coincided with the presentation of the 2025 budget to the Lagos State parliament, underscoring the urgent need for increased funding for tobacco control efforts. While the Federal Government has raised the Tobacco Control Fund from N4.7 million to N10 million in the 2024 budget, Adjete argued that this amount remains insufficient to address the pressing needs of the Tobacco Control Fund.
He also noted that there is no publicly available information on specific budgetary allocations for tobacco control at the state level, despite the domestication of the Tobacco Control Act through the No Smoking Law in Lagos.
Enforcement and Policy Recommendations
To tackle these challenges, PACT advocates for:
- Increased funding for tobacco control at both the federal and state levels to ensure effective program implementation.
- Stronger enforcement of smoke-free regulations across all public spaces.
- Improved regulations to prevent the sale and marketing of tobacco products, particularly shisha, to children and vulnerable populations.
- Greater public awareness efforts to educate the public on the dangers of tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure.
Adjete also called for collaboration among key agencies, including the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the National Orientation Agency (NOA), to strengthen the implementation of tobacco control policies.
Support from Lagos Authorities
The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu, welcomed the advocates and commended the youth for their initiative. She encouraged them to persist with their efforts, stating that challenges such as limited funding could be overcome by creating awareness and making their voices heard. Oke-Osanyintolu emphasized that the advocacy march is a crucial step in achieving the necessary funding and making a difference in the fight against tobacco use.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with the public health implications of tobacco use, increased funding and stronger enforcement of tobacco control laws are essential for protecting citizens, particularly the youth, from the dangers of smoking and secondhand smoke. The efforts of PACT, alongside other stakeholders, remain critical in ensuring a healthier, smoke-free future for Lagos and the entire country.
