Nigeria's Efforts to Tackle Youth Smoking Problem

Oct.30.2023
Nigeria's Efforts to Tackle Youth Smoking Problem
Nigeria commits to addressing youth smoking issue, focusing on education and collaboration with stakeholders, says Minister of Youth and Development.

According to a report by Von.gov on October 28th, Nigeria's Minister of Youth and Development, Jamila Ibrahim, recently expressed her commitment to addressing the issue of youth smoking in Abuja. She made this statement during a meeting with Bintou Camara, the Director of the Africa Tobacco Control Project (AFRO).


Minister Ibrahim highlights the pressing issue of teenage smoking in Nigeria. The nation must collaborate with relevant stakeholders to effectively educate the public about the dangers of youth smoking.


We will focus on the health of teenagers and actively engage in preventive actions against smoking, especially in order to prevent second-hand smoke. It is imperative that we comply with the laws prohibiting smoking in public places," she stated.


Kamala stated that their organization is conducting anti-smoking campaigns in Nigeria. "We are the pioneering organization in the global anti-smoking movement, as tobacco consumption is the leading cause of preventable deaths, we must halt tobacco consumption," she said.


She emphasized that tobacco companies are targeting young people in order to preserve their profits. She stated that tobacco control is crucial, as the world is facing a significant adversary that could impact public health. She mentioned that the organization has been working diligently for over 25 years to raise awareness among young people about the dangers of smoking.


Kamala asserts that Nigeria has enacted tobacco consumption legislation and stresses the crucial importance of implementing and enforcing the law, particularly for young people. She describes smoking as a gateway to using other drugs, which can have negative effects such as mental health issues, loss of productivity, compromised health, and education deprivation.


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