The Federal Government has inaugurated the second National Tobacco Control Committee (NATOCC), as part of measures to save citizens, especially the youths from the health hazards and other ills of tobacco in the country.
Speaking at the inauguration in Abuja, the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire reiterated the importance of the inauguration in the fight against tobacco use in Nigeria.
According to him, this reaffirms the commitment of the Federal Government to effectively tackle the menace of tobacco in the country.
He said that tobacco use and exposure to second hand smoke, is a leading cause of illness, impoverishment, and death in the world.
He added that the greatest risk factor for non-communicable diseases like hypertension, stroke, cancers, diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases.
According to Ehanire, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said that, tobacco causes more than eight million deaths every year worldwide, with over seven million of these deaths occurring as a result of direct tobacco use while about 1.2 million from non-smokers exposure to second-hand smoke.
The minister said that recent evidence also shows that tobacco users are at a higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 outcomes and death.
“With regard to protecting Nigerians from the risk associated with tobacco, Nigeria signed and ratified the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) in 2004 and 2005 respectively. In fulfilling her obligations to the treaty, Nigeria enacted the National Tobacco Control (NTC) Act in 2015, and the National Tobacco Control Regulation (NTCR), which was passed and gazetted in 2019,” Ehanire said.
Citing Section 2(1) of the NTC Act, the minister also listed the organisations and agencies he was empowers to constitute as members of NATOCC.
He said that the first NATOCC was inaugurated on 12th July, 2016 and developed the draft National Tobacco Control Regulations, after a series of rigorous consultations.
He said that when the Ministry forwarded the draft Regulations to the National Assembly through the Federal Executive Council (FEC), the 1st NATOCC followed up and supported the Regulations during the public hearings.
He said, “Despite challenges, the draft Regulations were modified and approved by the National Assembly, and eventually gazetted on 20th December, 2019.
“Following the expiration of the tenure of the 1st NATOCC Chairperson, it became necessary to appoint a new Chairperson and inaugurate the 2nd NATOCC. It is my pleasure therefore, to inform you that after due consideration, Dr. Bridget Okoeguale is my choice as the 2nd Chairperson of NATOCC. Dr Okoeguale is a seasoned Public Health Expert and was formerly the Director Public Health at the Federal Ministry of Health.”
He said that Section 5 of the NTC Act, clearly outlines the Terms of Reference of this committee.
He listed them as Advise and make recommendations to the Minister where necessary, on development and implementation of tobacco control policies, strategies, plans, programmes and projects, in accordance with WHO FCTC, on its implementing guidelines and on protocols; administer and manage the Fund of the committee; Screen or process applications for license to manufacture or import or distribute tobacco or tobacco products; and make national tobacco control regulations for the approval of the Honourable Minister of Health among others.
Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary, of the ministry, Mr. A. M. Abdullahi, represented by the Director Public Health in the ministry, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Paul-Adeniyi, said the ministry was delighted that the second NATOCC was inaugurated.
He identified tobacco as the only product that kills its user when used as prescribed, noting that the use of tobacco and exposure to second-hand smoke is a growing concern globally as it is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality.
“In combating this menace, a multisectoral committee is critical, as the Federal Ministry of Health alone cannot effectively implement the NTC Act,” he said.
He urged everyone to support the committee to ensure that it effectively carries out its mandate.
Responding on behalf of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Chairman NTCA, Dr. Bode Oluwafemi restated their commitment in the new assignment and the tobacco control fight.
He commended the minister for inaugurating the committee because NATOCC is central to the fight against tobacco.
He, however, ask for increased tax on tobacco products, enforcement of tobacco ban and sale to small children and minors in Nigeria.
In her acceptance speech, the 2nd Chairperson of NATOCC, Dr. Bridget Okoeguale, thank the minister for giving her the opportunity to serve and assured that members of the 2nd NATOCC are people well picked to deliver on their mandate.
