A delegation from the Nigeria Tobacco Control Alliance (NTCA) on Wednesday, February 28, paid an advocacy visit to Dr. Adamu Ahmed Abdullahi, the Acting Executive Vice Chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Mr. Akinbode Oluwafemi, who led the NTCA delegation congratulated Dr. Abdullahi on his appointment as the Acting Executive Vice Chairman, saying it is testimony to years of hard work and diligent service to the nation and humanity.
He also commended the Commission for its efforts so far in the enforcement of Nigerian laws, and for ensuring appropriate controls on tobacco and tobacco businesses in Nigeria.
Mr. Akinbode while providing background to the tobacco problem said tobacco is one of the leading causes of noncommunicable diseases and deaths worldwide, and as a response well meaning nations have put measures in place to deal with the problem. He further said that on Nigeria’s part; it is signatory to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, and in 2015 Nigeria enacted the National Tobacco Control Act, followed by the National Tobacco Control Regulations approved in 2019, demonstrating the government appreciation of the problem and the need to act for the well being of Nigerians. It was also stated that the FCCPC has a critical role to play in the enforcement of several sections of the Act and Regulations.
He further praised the efforts of the commission to raise awareness in the media and public space to ensure that young people who are potential replacement smokers in the sight of the tobacco industry are made aware of the dangers associated with tobacco use, he added that the alliance is ready to work with the agency for best possible outcomes for the awareness campaign. In the same breath the delegation implored the agency to prioritize also prioritize enforcement of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging as well as on other tobacco products, including emerging products.
On his part, the Acting Executive Chairman thanked the NTCA team for the important work it is doing in the public health space while assuring the team that the Commission remains resolute in executing its mandate with the highest integrity. He said tobacco use has caused the death of many Nigerians and has hurt many families, which is why among other measures, the Commission will soon embark on a two-year long TV series to beam the dangers associated with tobacco use into many homes with the intent of discouraging tobacco uptake, especially among young people. He acknowledged the requests made by the Alliance, and expressed willingness of the commission to work with the tobacco control community to ensure that the public health interest of Nigerians is protected as provided for in the National Tobacco Control Act. Mr. Marvin Nadah, Deputy Director, Surveillance and Investigation; Ms. Florence Abebe, Chief Legal Officer, and Mrs. Nimatullah Suleiman Braimah, Principal Scientific Officer also reechoed the views of the Acting Executive Vice Chairman.
The NTCA delegation also had Mr. Michael Olaniyan, In-Country Coordinator, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids; NTCA Programme Officer, Mr. Chibuike Nwokorie, and NTCA Communications Officer, Mr. Paul Ashibel in attendance.
More photos from the meeting
