A research associate, the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa, Austin Iraoya, says smoking kills about 29,000 Nigerians every year.
According to him, Nigeria’s health system spends about N526bn annually on tobacco-induced diseases.
“Most of this money comes from out of pocket expenditure. This is a serious economic burden to Nigeria. Government makes only 10 per cent from tobacco taxes from this expenditure,” Iraoya said.
He spoke in Abuja on Monday at a press briefing marking this year’s World Tobacco Day.
Executive Director, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, Akinbode Oluwafemi, said smoking had been on the increase in Africa with Nigeria still importing tobacco leaves from about 44 countries.
“In the manufacturing of cigarettes, tobacco companies are believed to contribute 84 megatons of carbon dioxide equivalent to greenhouse gases.
“Disturbingly, because of stringent laws in the Global North, most of the tobacco corporations have relocated to low and middle-income countries like Nigeria.
He said despite the ban by the National Broadcasting Corporation, the Big Brother Naija show, a Pay-TV programme watched by adults and children alike, “smoking among housemates is allowed and even promoted.”
Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has called on African governments to impose environmental tax levies on tobacco across the value and supply chains.
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And people will never stop smoking
It is well