The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has called on the Federal Government to strengthen tobacco control measures, warning that tobacco use continues to pose a significant threat to public health and economic development across the country.
Speaking during activities marking the 2026 World No Tobacco Day, observed annually on May 31, ACPN National Chairman, Pharm. Ambrose Igwe Kammah Ezeh, urged authorities to implement more effective policies aimed at reducing tobacco consumption and curbing nicotine addiction.
Ezeh described tobacco as one of the leading causes of preventable deaths globally, noting that millions of lives are lost each year due to tobacco-related illnesses and exposure to second-hand smoke.
According to him, Nigeria records an estimated 26,000 to 28,000 tobacco-related deaths annually, a situation he said continues to place considerable pressure on healthcare services and national productivity.
He expressed concern over the growing use of tobacco and nicotine products among young people, warning that tobacco companies continue to employ marketing strategies designed to attract new users, particularly adolescents and young adults.
The ACPN chairman noted that products such as e-cigarettes and other nicotine delivery systems are increasingly being promoted as alternatives to traditional tobacco products, despite concerns that they may encourage nicotine dependence and introduce new users to addiction.
Reflecting on the theme of this year’s World No Tobacco Day, “Unmasking the Appeal: Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction,” Ezeh said the campaign highlights the need to expose tactics used to make tobacco and nicotine products attractive, especially to younger populations.
He stressed that nicotine remains the primary substance responsible for addiction and argued that stronger interventions are needed to reduce the health risks associated with tobacco use.
While acknowledging the existence of tobacco control laws and regulatory frameworks in Nigeria, Ezeh said enforcement remains a major challenge. He called for stricter implementation of existing regulations and the introduction of additional measures to discourage tobacco consumption.
According to him, more decisive policy actions are required to reduce the burden of tobacco-related diseases, including cancers, cardiovascular conditions, respiratory illnesses, and other chronic health complications linked to smoking.
The ACPN chairman also highlighted the economic impact of tobacco use, noting that treatment costs and productivity losses associated with smoking-related diseases continue to impose a substantial burden on the country’s economy.
He urged policymakers, health professionals, civil society groups, and other stakeholders to work together in strengthening public awareness campaigns and promoting healthier lifestyles.
Ezeh reaffirmed the association’s commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at reducing tobacco consumption and protecting public health, emphasizing the importance of sustained advocacy, effective regulation, and public education.
He further encouraged Nigerians who use tobacco products to seek support in quitting, while calling on families and communities to play active roles in preventing tobacco use among young people.
According to him, stronger political commitment and collective action will be critical to reducing tobacco-related illnesses and building a healthier future for the nation.
The ACPN chairman concluded by urging all stakeholders to renew efforts toward achieving a tobacco-free society, stressing that protecting public health must remain a national priority.
