…..urges usage of tobacco tax for control measures
The Nigeria Tobacco Control Alliance (NTCA) has decried the allocation of a paltry N10 million for the control of cancer and other tobacco related diseases in the country.
The budgetary provision is a slight improvement compared to the N4.7 million naira allocated in the 2023 national budget.NTCA chairman, Mr Akinbode Oluwafemi, at a press conference in Abuja contended that the amount falls below expectations, considering the enormous effort required to regulate tobacco consumption in the country.
He also adduced Nigeria’s hyper-inflation as reason why the amount is so meagre and inconsequential in tackling the menace associated with tobacco consumption.
“Time and again, we have stated that limited funding hinders the comprehensive implementation of measures outlined in the National Tobacco Control Act, which are designed to tightly regulate tobacco products and tobacco use in the country, and ultimately reduce the burden of cancer and other non-communicable diseases in Nigeria,” he said.
“With Nigeria’s frail health system, and the lean pocket suffered by many Nigerians, the Federal Government ought to prioritize financing the enforcement of tobacco control measures to ensure that diseases associated with tobacco products are prevented.
“Another critical concern is whether the monies previously budgeted were released into the Fund account. It is imperative to remind the Federal Government that the National Tobacco Control Act stipulates that funds allocated for tobacco control in the national budget or from other sources are to be remitted to the Tobacco Control Fund account for utilization.
“We strongly desire to see that this is complied with, and for this reason we call on the Federal Ministry of Health to provide an update on the status of the Tobacco Control Fund, specifically detailing the current balance, sources of the monies in the Fund and details of previous spendings from the Fund.”
Calling on the authorities to earmark tobacco tax for tobacco control initiatives, he stressed the need to ensure that all tobacco companies fulfill their obligation of paying for operating licenses after gaining approval to operate in Nigeria.
He added: “It is imperative that tobacco companies comply with this requirement, as it serves as a crucial regulatory measure to monitor their operations and ensure their adherence to established guidelines.
“Allowing tobacco companies to operate without licenses not only poses a health hazard due to the harmful nature of their products but also bleeds the country of revenue and undermines the regulatory framework and efforts to control tobacco use in the country. Where infractions are discovered, appropriate penalties should be applied.
“It is time for the Federal Government of Nigeria to consider earmarking tobacco tax as a dedicated source for financing tobacco control enforcement efforts in the country. By earmarking tobacco tax for tobacco control measures, the government can establish a funding mechanism that directly aligns with the objectives of ending tobacco consumption, preventing tobacco-related diseases, and promoting public health.”
