Tobacco costs nigeria N634bn annually, claims up to 28,000 lives — ACPN

The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has raised concerns over the devastating health and economic impact of tobacco use, revealing that smoking-related diseases cost Nigeria an estimated N634 billion annually in healthcare expenses and productivity losses.

The association warned that tobacco-related illnesses claim between 26,000 and 28,000 lives in the country every year, placing enormous pressure on the healthcare system and undermining economic growth.

Speaking at a press briefing to commemorate World No Tobacco Day 2026, the National Chairman of ACPN, Pharm. Ambrose Igwe Kammah Ezeh, described tobacco as one of the deadliest consumer products ever created and called on the Federal Government to adopt stronger and more decisive tobacco control measures.

According to him, Nigeria can no longer sustain the huge burden imposed by tobacco use.

“This is a burden that Nigeria can no longer sustain. Every year, families are devastated, healthcare systems are stretched, and economic productivity is undermined because of diseases caused by tobacco use,” Ezeh said.

He urged the government to consider far-reaching scientific and regulatory interventions, including policies that could eliminate nicotine from tobacco products or impose an outright ban on tobacco.

“A strong policy that eliminates nicotine from tobacco products or an outright ban on tobacco will permanently address many of these avoidable health hazards,” he stated.

Ezeh noted that World No Tobacco Day serves as a reminder to governments, healthcare professionals, civil society organisations and citizens of the urgent need to intensify efforts to combat the tobacco epidemic and protect populations from its harmful consequences.

He said tobacco remains one of the leading preventable causes of death globally, accounting for more than eight million deaths annually, including about 1.3 million non-smokers who die from exposure to second-hand smoke.

“Tobacco kills up to half of its long-term users and continues to pose a major threat to global public health,” he said.

The ACPN chairman also expressed concern over the increasing prevalence of tobacco and nicotine use among young people, citing estimates that about 40 million children aged 13 to 15 worldwide currently use at least one tobacco product.

He accused tobacco companies of deliberately targeting young people through attractive flavours, deceptive packaging, aggressive branding and sophisticated marketing strategies designed to encourage nicotine addiction.

“The tobacco industry continues to target young people through carefully crafted campaigns designed to make harmful products appear attractive and harmless. This is creating a new generation of nicotine-dependent individuals,” he warned.

Ezeh further raised alarm over the growing promotion of e-cigarettes and other nicotine delivery systems, which he said are often marketed as safer alternatives but ultimately sustain nicotine dependence and attract new users.

Speaking on this year’s theme, “Unmasking the Appeal: Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction,” he described it as timely and relevant, noting that it exposes the tactics employed by tobacco companies while drawing attention to the urgent need to tackle nicotine addiction at its source.

He stressed that nicotine remains the primary psychoactive substance responsible for tobacco dependence and argued that despite existing tobacco control laws and regulations in Nigeria, weak enforcement has continued to undermine their effectiveness.

“The continued prevalence of tobacco consumption demonstrates that our current interventions have not delivered the desired outcomes. Government complacency in addressing this epidemic only benefits the tobacco industry while thousands of Nigerians continue to lose their lives annually,” he said.

Ezeh emphasized that tobacco offers no proven therapeutic or medicinal benefits and remains directly linked to several life-threatening illnesses, including cancers, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory disorders and other chronic health conditions.

On behalf of the ACPN leadership and members, he called on the Federal Government to strengthen tobacco control policies, intensify enforcement of existing laws and implement bold reforms to protect present and future generations from the dangers of tobacco and nicotine addiction.

“As we commemorate World No Tobacco Day 2026, we must recommit ourselves to protecting public health, reducing preventable deaths and building a healthier, tobacco-free Nigeria,” he said.

He also extended support to Nigerians battling tobacco-related illnesses and encouraged families and caregivers caring for affected persons. Ezeh expressed optimism that with stronger political will, effective enforcement and sustained public awareness campaigns, Nigeria can significantly reduce tobacco consumption and its devastating consequences.

He urged all stakeholders to unite in the fight against tobacco addiction and work collectively towards securing a healthier and tobacco-free future for all Nigerians.