According to a World Health Organization assessment, over 30,000 people died in Nigeria as a result of smoke-related diseases in 2022.
The Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction publication says that 4.1% of the adult population in the country, or about 4.5 million people, currently smoke. Of those who smoke, 7.9% are men, while 0.3% are women.
The results highlight the urgent need for the Nigerian government to prioritize a Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) plan, according to Abisoye Michael, spokesman for the Foundation for Consumer Freedom Advancement (FCFA), who was speaking at the 2023 World No Smoking Day. He asked the government to embrace the Swedish model.
He claimed that by following Sweden’s example, Nigeria may set an example for other African countries, providing a ray of hope for lowering smoking rates and fostering a healthier future.
He added that smoking rates in Europe have fallen from 15% to an astoundingly low 5.6%, making it the lowest rate in the past 15 years. He said Sweden’s incredible achievement is obvious as it draws closer to being a smoke-free society.
