The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to increase funding for Nigeria’s Tobacco Control Fund to ₦100 million in the 2025 budget, emphasizing the critical need to address the country’s growing tobacco-related health challenges.
During a plenary session presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, lawmakers highlighted the inadequacy of the current allocation of ₦10 million, urging significant financial reinforcement to combat the health and economic burdens posed by tobacco consumption.
Motion for Tobacco Control Fund Boost
The motion, titled “Need for the Federal Government to Increase Budgetary Allocation to Nigeria’s Tobacco Control Fund,” was sponsored by Hon. Bassey Akiba, representing Calabar Municipal/Odukpani Federal Constituency in Cross River State.
Akiba noted that Section 8 of the National Tobacco Control Act 2015 mandates funding for the National Tobacco Control Committee to enforce compliance with the Act. He lamented the grossly inadequate allocation in previous budgets, despite a commendable increase from ₦4.7 million to ₦10 million in 2024.
“While the increase shows progress, it is insufficient to address the pressing needs of the underfunded Tobacco Control Fund housed under the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare,” Akiba argued.
Health and Economic Impact of Tobacco Use
Akiba outlined the devastating effects of tobacco use in Nigeria, describing it as a leading cause of preventable deaths, responsible for nearly 30,000 fatalities annually and reducing life expectancy by about a decade. He cited alarming statistics:
Tobacco smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, with 70 known carcinogens.
Secondhand smoke increases the risk of heart attacks in non-smokers by 60% and lung cancer by 30%.
“Scientific evidence shows no safe level of exposure to tobacco smoke,” he stressed.
The lawmaker also warned of the strain on Nigeria’s healthcare system caused by tobacco-related illnesses, including cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and cancer, urging immediate action to mitigate these risks.
Benefits of Adequate Funding
The House emphasized that increasing the allocation to ₦100 million would enable:
Effective enforcement of the Tobacco Control Act, including bans on public smoking and tobacco product advertising.
Empowering government agencies to operate independently, reducing reliance on international donors or tobacco industry stakeholders.
Strengthening preventive measures to reduce tobacco-related illnesses and deaths.
Call to Action
Lawmakers reiterated the need for the Federal Government to prioritize tobacco control as a public health and economic imperative. They affirmed their commitment to addressing the funding gap, ensuring Nigeria aligns with global best practices in tobacco control.
The motion’s adoption underscores the House’s resolve to safeguard public health, urging the Federal Government to act decisively in the fight against tobacco-related diseases.
