CAPPA Pushes for N300m Tobacco Control Budget to Save Lives
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
As Nigeria’s National Assembly reviews the 2025 Appropriation Bill, the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has urged lawmakers to increase the tobacco control budget from N10 million to N300 million.
In petitions addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, CAPPA highlighted the devastating effects of tobacco use, which claims 26,800 Nigerian lives annually and burdens the nation with skyrocketing healthcare costs.
The group’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, warned about the growing threat of unregulated tobacco products targeting young people and called for intensified regulation.
Oluwafemi stated, “Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death worldwide.
Nigeria needs to invest in public health campaigns, enforcement of tobacco control laws, and support for farmers transitioning to sustainable crops.”
CAPPA also demanded the full activation of the National Tobacco Control Fund (TCF), which has been dormant since its establishment under the NTCA 2015.
They argue that operationalising the fund is critical for effective regulation, public health campaigns, and safeguarding Nigerians from the harms of tobacco consumption.
The group emphasised that a robust budgetary allocation is essential to protect public health, reduce economic losses, and promote environmental sustainability.
