The Federal Government of Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to combating tobacco use among Nigerian youngsters.
Jamila Ibrahim, Minister of Youth and Development, stated this in Abuja on Friday during a courtesy visit by Ms Bintou Camara, Regional Director, Tobacco Control Programme (AFRO) Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.
Ibrahim claimed that tobacco use among minors was a major problem in Nigeria.
According to the minister, the country must cooperate and work with key stakeholders to educate Nigerians about the health consequences of tobacco use among young people.
“We will focus on adolescent health. It is the area where we need to be proactive in putting mechanisms in place to achieve a preventive approach to tobacco smoking among the kids.
“We must work with the act that bans tobacco smoking in public places, especially to prevent secondhand smoke,” she added.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recently revealed that over 30,000 Nigerians die each year from tobacco-related ailments.
cc: Daily Post Ng
