By Esi-ife Arogundade
Tobacco control experts have emphasised the need for smoke-free cities, amid growing health concerns and the economic burden of tobacco use in Nigeria.
They made the call on Tuesday, March 18 2025, at a webinar organised by Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) titled “the need for smoke free cities”
Akinbode Oluwafemi, CAPPA’S Executive Director, harped on the dangers of tobacco use, noting that non-users are at real risk of, and often come down with non-communicable diseases from second- hand smoke.
Represented by CAPPA’s Assistant Director, Zikora Ibeh, he urged the public to join the advocacy for the government to establish smoke-free cities.
Michael Olaniyan, a lawyer and Country Coordinator of the Campaign for Tobacco- Free Kids (CTFK), whilst speaking at the event, highlighted the pressing need for smoke-free cities, as part of a broader initiative, to combat the detrimental effects of tobacco use.
Citing numerous health studies, the guest speaker emphasized that second-hand smoke presents severe risks, not only to smokers but also to individuals who have never smoked.
“Second-hand smoke is not safe; there is no safe level of exposure”, “it’s akin to drinking poison,” Olaniyan said.
The discussion also illuminated the broader impacts of tobacco use, including significant financial burdens on healthcare systems and families.
It was observed that the cost of treating tobacco-related diseases drains resources that could otherwise be allocated for public health improvements.
“Tobacco is the number one preventable cause of death globally,” the advocate said, urging the government to increase tobacco control measures and protect vulnerable populations.
Olaniyan highlighted the importance of existing laws, such as Nigeria’s National Tobacco Control Act of 2015 and its accompanying regulations, which aim to establish designated smoking areas and enforce strict penalties for smoking in prohibited spaces.
“We are beginning to see local governments take initiative by implementing their own laws to safeguard their communities,” he noted.
The legislative framework mandates that areas catering to children and non-smokers remain entirely smoke-free, while mixed-use establishments like bars and restaurants are permitted to designate only a small portion—no more than 10%—for smoking.
“This is similar to maintaining a clean area; you cannot simply section off an area for unwanted substances,” the speaker elaborated.
By advocating for smoke-free landscapes, the forum aimed to foster healthier environments and reduce the prevalence of tobacco-related illnesses. The speakers reinforced their commitment to sustainable development goals, recognizing the responsibility to protect children and future generations from the hazards of tobacco exposure.
As communities and governments continue to navigate the complexities of tobacco control, the call for stricter regulations and smoke-free public spaces remains a critical issue.
The health, economic, and environmental advantages of such measures underscore a collective responsibility to prioritize public health and well-being.
