Millions to die from Tobacco related Diseases

With over five million people estimated to die from tobacco related diseases globally this year, the Lagos State government has set up a multi-sectoral committee to begin  massive enlightenment campaign

to reduce consumption and discourage smoking of all tobacco products in the state.

This  came on the heels of recent concurrent passage of the National Tobacco Control Bill by the National Assembly.

The Tobacco Bill makes it mandatory to affix health warnings on tobacco product packs, bans the sale of cigarettes to minors (under 18 years), strictly regulate tobacco advertising, sponsorship and promotion, prohibites smoking in public places and the introduction of regulations on the manufacture, distribution and marketing of tobacco products in the country.

Briefing newsmen in Lagos, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Femi Olugbile, said the committee was part of the state government commitment to ensure that Nigerians were not part of the estimated five million people, who will die from tobacco use.

Olugbile at the briefing to mark this year’s ‘World No Tobacco Day’ WNTD, noted that members of the committee were drawn from relevant line ministries, private sector, civil society and the media and will come up with comprehensive multi-sectoral measures to reduce consumption of tobacco products.