Addressing Tobacco Dependency in Nigeria: A call for Ottawa Charter-inspired integrated care

Tobacco dependency continues to pose a significant threat to public health in Nigeria, with approximately 5.6% of adults using tobacco products. Despite legislative efforts such as the National Tobacco Control Act, inconsistent enforcement limits its impact, highlighting the need for a comprehensive and integrated approach to tackle this issue effectively.

Oluwaseyi Alli, a healthcare professional specializing in tobacco dependency treatment, has emphasized the importance of adopting the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion as a framework to address this pressing challenge. Drawing from his extensive experience as a Smoke-Free Pregnancy Practitioner with Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust and as the Tobacco Dependency Treatment Team Coordinator at Lewisham Hospital NHS Trust, Oluwaseyi remarked, “Addressing tobacco dependency requires more than legislation; it demands a cultural and systemic shift toward integrated care solutions.”

The Ottawa Charter emphasizes health promotion through five core strategies: building healthy public policies, creating supportive environments, strengthening community actions, developing personal skills, and reorienting health services. Oluwaseyi highlighted the success of other nations in implementing these principles to reduce tobacco dependency, particularly by embedding cessation services into primary healthcare systems. “Nigeria must integrate cessation services into its healthcare framework, ensuring accessibility and affordability for all,” he said.

Oluwaseyi underscored the importance of training healthcare providers to treat tobacco dependency as a chronic condition. “Many patients need ongoing support and evidence-based treatments, including behavioral therapy and pharmacotherapy, to quit successfully,” he explained. He also stressed the necessity of public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on the dangers of tobacco use and the availability of treatment options.

According to Oluwaseyi, consistent enforcement of tobacco control legislation is critical to creating an environment that supports cessation efforts. “Public policies must be visible, enforceable, and backed by public awareness. People need to see that tobacco control is not just a bureaucratic measure but a national health priority,” he remarked. He also advocated for workplace cessation programs and community-based support groups as essential components of a robust tobacco control strategy.

Oluwaseyi highlighted the economic implications of neglecting tobacco dependency, pointing out that tobacco-related illnesses place a significant strain on Nigeria’s healthcare system. “Investing in tobacco cessation now will save lives and reduce healthcare costs in the long run. It’s an investment in the future health of our nation,” he noted.

He called on government agencies, healthcare organizations, and civil society to collaborate in implementing a cohesive strategy guided by the Ottawa Charter. “The Charter provides a proven framework for addressing complex health challenges. By aligning our efforts with its principles, Nigeria can take bold steps to curb tobacco dependency,” Oluwaseyi stated.

As global momentum against tobacco use grows, Oluwaseyi’s insights serve as a powerful call to action for Nigeria to prioritize integrated care solutions. “We have the knowledge, the frameworks, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact. Now is the time to act decisively to protect future generations from the harms of tobacco,” he concluded.

By leveraging proven strategies, fostering collaboration, and ensuring sustained commitment, Nigeria can address the tobacco epidemic effectively and pave the way for a healthier, more resilient population.