The House of Representatives on Wednesday underscored the urgent need for Federal Government to fully comply with the provisions of the National Tobacco Control Act, 2015.
The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion on the ‘Need for the Federal Government to increase budgetary allocation to Nigeria’s Tobacco Control Fund’, sponsored by Hon. Bassey Akiba.
In his lead debate, Hon. Akiba underscored the need for Federal Government to comply with the provisions of the National Tobacco Control Act, 2015 forthwith.
“The House notes that Section 8 of the National Tobacco Control Act 2015 provides that there shall be funding for the National Tobacco Control Committee to enforce compliance with the provisions of the Act, and such fund shall consist of monies from the budgetary allocation, subventions from the government, and/or donations from organizations whose mandates do not conflict with the provisions of the Act.
“The House also notes that the Federal Government recently doubled its financial commitment to the Tobacco Control Fund from N4.7 million to 10 million naira in the 2024 Federal Budget, while this commitment is encouraging, N10 million is insufficient to meet the needs of the under-resourced Tobacco Control Fund, domiciled under the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
“The House further notes Tobacco control is a government priority due to its significant impact on preventable death, including cancer, and its annual economic cost. It kills nearly 30,000 Nigerians annually and shortens life expectancy by ten years, increases cardiovascular disease and stroke risks;
“The House is worried that Cigarette smoke contains 7,000 chemicals, and about 70 of them cause cancer. In addition, exposure to secondhand smoke increases heart attack risk in non-smokers by 60% and lung cancer risk by 30%, there is no safe level of exposure to tobacco smoke.
“The House is aware that with the fund, the National Tobacco and other Ministries and Agencies responsible for the enforcement of the Act would be equipped to enforce the prohibition of smoking in public places to advertising, promotion, and sponsorship of tobacco products, graphic and pictorial health warning signs, and access to tobacco products for persons below the age of 18.
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“The House is informed that the Agencies have been going about to ensure that tobacco companies comply with the graphic health warning signs as provided by the Act.
“The House is also aware that the budgetary allocation for tobacco control will address the needs of those Agencies of government so as not to depend on international donors or local NGOs, and the tobacco industry players.
“The House is further aware that with Nigeria’s frail health system there is a need to prioritize financing and control measures to prevent tobacco-related diseases, as consumption is a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases like respiratory illness, cardiovascular disorder, and cancer.
“The House is cognizant of the need for the Nigerian government to review tobacco control funding, earmarked from tobacco company taxes, and demonstrate genuine commitment to a sustainable approach in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria.
“The House is also cognizant of the need to increase budgetary allocation of the Nigeria’s Tobacco Control Fund to N100 million to save lives and reduce healthcare expenses.”
The House also urged Federal Government to increase budgetary allocation of the Nigeria Tobacco Control by 10% from last year’s budget of 10 million to 100 million in the 2025 budget estimates to enable it carry out its statutory functions effectively.
The lawmakers also tasked Federal Ministry of Health to provide an update on the status of the Tobacco Control Fund, especially detailing the current balance, sources of money in the fund and details of previous spending from the fund.
In the same vein, the House tasked Federal Ministry of Health to enforce compliance by tobacco companies.
To this end, the House mandated the joint Committees on Healthcare Services, Appropriation, and Legislative Compliance to ensure implementation.
READ MORE FROM: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
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