Source:Fortune Eromonsele

According to a report published by PREMIUM TIMES’, nearly 30,000 tobacco-related deaths are recorded annually in the country

cigarettes in loose tobacco, close up with copy space in the white background [PHOTO CREDIT: Truth Initiative]

Dublin, Ireland – July 2025: The World Health Organization (WHO) has sounded a fresh alarm on the devastating toll of tobacco use, revealing that over seven million people die each year due to tobacco-related illnesses. The stark figure is part of the newly released Global Tobacco Epidemic 2025 report, unveiled during the World Conference on Tobacco Control.

Despite global progress, weak enforcement, gaps in legislation, and interference by the tobacco industry continue to hinder the fight against tobacco.

A Global Epidemic with Nigerian Realities

While the global death toll paints a grim picture, Nigeria is not left out. A 2021 report by the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA) found that:

• Over 3.2 million Nigerians aged 15 and above are active smokers.
• Nigeria records nearly 30,000 tobacco-related deaths annually.
• Second-hand smoke exposure remains a silent but dangerous threat in public spaces, especially for children and non-smokers.

Key Insights from WHO’s Global Report

1. MPOWER Measures Expansion
Over 6.1 billion people (three-quarters of the world’s population) are now protected by at least one of the six MPOWER tobacco control measures, compared to just 1 billion in 2007. These measures include:

• Monitoring tobacco use
• Creating smoke-free environments
• Offering help to quit
• Requiring health warnings
• Enforcing advertising bans
• Increasing tobacco taxes

However, WHO warns:

• 40 countries have no MPOWER measure implemented at best-practice level.
• 30+ countries still allow cigarette sales without health warnings.

2. Second-Hand Smoke Still Kills
Each year, 1.3 million people die due to second-hand smoke. While 79 countries now have comprehensive smoke-free laws, millions remain exposed — including in Nigeria, where enforcement is often weak in public places like markets, parks, and restaurants.

3. Plain Packaging & Graphic Warnings
By 2025:

• 110 countries made graphic health warnings mandatory (up from 9 in 2007)
• 25 countries adopted plain packaging
• Yet, 110 countries haven’t run anti-tobacco campaigns since 2022

4. Access to Quitting Support Still Limited
Only 33% of the world’s population has access to cost-covered cessation services. In many developing countries, including Nigeria, access remains limited to urban centers.

5. Tobacco Taxation – The Most Underused Tool
Tobacco taxes remain low:

• Just 3 countries raised tobacco taxes to WHO-recommended levels since 2022
• 134 countries, including Nigeria, still make cigarettes affordable, undermining public health goals

New Tobacco Threats: E-Cigarettes and ENDS

WHO also flagged a rise in electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) like e-cigarettes, with 133 countries introducing regulations by 2024. But over 60 countries still lack a legal framework, leaving a growing youth market unprotected.

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🇳🇬 What This Means for Nigeria

Although Nigeria has ratified the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, implementation and enforcement lag behind. Public health advocates urge:

• Full adoption of MPOWER measures
• Stronger public awareness campaigns
• Inclusion of cessation support in primary healthcare
• Higher excise taxes on tobacco products
• Regulation of e-cigarettes and flavored tobacco

“Tobacco use is not just a health issue — it’s an economic burden, costing Nigeria billions in healthcare spending and lost productivity,” said a development expert.

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The 2025 Bloomberg Philanthropies Awards for Global Tobacco Control recognized progress made by countries like Türkiye, Brazil, and Mauritius. WHO’s global ambassador for noncommunicable diseases, Michael Bloomberg, reaffirmed commitment to WHO’s goals.

“Since 2007, we’ve seen a sea change in tobacco prevention. But there’s more to be done,” Bloomberg said.