According to a report by Leadership on December 25th, experts are urging Nigeria to adopt Sweden's smoke-free tobacco economy. They are urging economic managers to swiftly implement policies that reduce the dangers of tobacco and take measures to address the significant economic losses caused by combustible cigarettes in Nigeria.
These stakeholders made a call at the roundtable forum event themed "Reducing the Impact of Smoking Cessation Strategies" held in Lagos, the capital of Nigeria.
In his speech, Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, the President of consulting firm ValueFronteira Limited, stated that smoking remains a public health issue in Nigeria.
He confirmed that adopting the Swedish blueprint to achieve a smoke-free nation and relevant tobacco harm reduction policies is not just an option, but also a responsibility towards Nigerian citizens and future generations.
He said, "Sweden is on track to become the first "smoke-free" country in Europe, with smoking rates expected to drop below 5% in the coming months. The country's strategy holds the potential to save the lives of 15.5 million people in the next decade."
Mallam Mungo explained that in order to successfully advance the implementation of Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) policies, Nigeria must develop a comprehensive THR policy framework that aligns with global best practices and is suitable for Nigeria's unique circumstances.
He urged for the widespread implementation of promotional activities to educate citizens, healthcare professionals, and decision-makers about the benefits of THR.
During this period, Professor Adi Bongo, an economics professor at Lagos Business School, stated, "Around 50% of Nigerians live below the poverty line, and while people perceive smoking as a non-issue, it is, in fact, a significant problem."
He emphasized that tax policies such as raising consumption tax are not solutions for reducing smoking; instead, they will result in an increase due to the addictive nature of smoking.
We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.
Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn
Notice
1. This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.
2. The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.
3. This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.
4. Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.
Copyright
This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.
For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com
AI Assistance Disclaimer
This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.
We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com
