Chibuzo Odigwe looks at smoking among young people in Nigeria. He explains the problems unique to the developing world and the particular difficulties convincing them that it isn't glamorous

In many modern day societies, smoking tobacco is an accepted habit with adults of all age groups and both sexes being able to smoke. This practice used to be socially acceptable in Europe and the United States but is less so now. Laws have been passed in some American states restricting or banning smoking, and people can no longer smoke in public places like bars, restaurants, and clubs. In Africa, similar laws that are supposed to be in effect have remained on paper and little restricts where people can or cannot smoke.

Nigeria faces many problems in dealing with the consequences of smoking. It is currently one of the most heavily populated countries in the developing world, with an estimated population of 100 million. Public health facilities are scarce and the few that are available are overstretched. As yet, no schemes to expand health care are in place and appreciable improvements cannot be reasonably expected within the near future.

Additionally, there is no viable social health insurance scheme. People have to pay for the care and attention they require during illness from personal or family savings and quite often those who cannot afford care are left with little or no alternative other than to die.

Young people see smoking as glamorous

In most modern societies, like in Nigeria, cigarette smoking is more or less perceived by young people as something glamorous. A recent survey conducted by the United States Centre for Disease Control in Cross River State in Nigeria, found that as many as 45% of the young people surveyed think boys who smoke and 28% think girls who smoke have more friends.1 Again, 17% think boys who smoke and 16% think girls who smoke look more attractive. Little wonder, therefore, that as many as 22% of the sample population currently use tobacco with as many as 20% of those who had never smoked likely to start smoking in the next year. A different study found fewer smokers (only 4.4%).2 As to whether kids smoke in the street--yes they do, and the situation is seen as something that concerns the individual's family rather than one for the police or social workers. These people probably have their hands a bit too full to care, and it is not seen as their role to find a solution.

Why is it glamorous?

Smoking is seen as attractive probably because of the way it is presented in Nigeria. Young people see their role models--film stars, musicians, and celebrities--smoking or portraying smoking as something glamorous. Many also see it as a status symbol, a way of telling your peers and contemporaries that you have come of age. In Nigeria there is no age restriction on buying cigarettes. People sell anything to anybody without batting an eyelid. It is nteresting to note that most adults prefer to send children to buy cigarettes and alcohol for them. There are effectively no laws in this regard.

The smoking prevalence in the general population is also high, judging by a 1990 survey of 1270 adults which showed that as many as 24% of men and 7% of women smoke cigarettes on a daily basis.3 The adult population reportedly increased its consumption by as much as 32% from what it was in 1970. Another survey, this time in 1998, suggests that there may have been a decline (15% of men and 2% of women),4 the possibility of the actual current prevalence being higher cannot be ruled out.

This is largely because many cigarettes consumed in Nigeria today are smuggled into the country and the fact that a lot of adults would not easily own up to indulging in the habit. The amount of smuggling is high to avoid the huge taxes and import duties on tobacco. Apart from the taxes and duties, traders also smuggle to avoid corrupt customs officials who inflate the duties and charge their self decreed illegal duties and taxes. As to why adults do not easily own up, the fact remains that although the practice is widespread, tobacco smoking is still not socially acceptable here in Nigeria. Few ladies would own up for fear of scaring away prospective suitors. A good number of young people would even not own up so as not to incur the wrath of their parents and guardians.

TRYGVE BOLSTADT/PANOS

Smoking is seen as attractive probably because of the way it is presented

The Nigerian youth:peculiar circumstances

The average Nigerian youth tends to want to be as westernised as much as his or her present circumstances allow. Because smoking cigarettes is common in the Western societies of Europe and America he or she feels that smoking should be cultivated, to make him or her belong. This partly fuels the intense peer pressure that leads youths to smoke because they do not want to be left out.

The idea that smoking is a Western thing is conveyed mainly through films, music, and advertisements. The jingles and slogans are taken from well known European or American music. Advertisements on television play into the psyche of the youth population by depicting scenes in large European or American cities. Tobacco companies advertise unrestricted here. They sponsor major sporting tournaments and stage promotional shows with little or no restrictions. They are only obliged to issue health warnings after each advert and to print warnings beneath their billboards and on cigarette packets.

Although the actual numbers of young smokers in Nigeria may be lower than in Europe and the United States, a rethink on the part of the Nigerian youth is now overdue. The dangers of smoking tobacco are many and well known. The ailments it causes are largely terminal. With health facilities and personnel already overstretched and an adult population expected to rise to 119 million by 2025,5 it is all too evident that care and nursing facilities will be largely unavailable to manage the enormous health crises Nigeria could be facing in the future.

Any way out?

As in many difficult circumstances, a way out exists. But it needs a great deal of discipline, commitment, and courage on the part of the government and individuals. The government should enforce the ban on advertising tobacco. A decree banning the use of tobacco in certain public places was promulgated in 1990 when Nigeria was still under military rule. This decree is apparently no longer in force. Recently, the issue was raised at the Federal House of Representatives and is still being debated.

Secondly, more concerted effort is needed in education. Again, effective rehabilitation programmes should be put in place to help rehabilitate addicts and to encourage others to quit. Although this call is not a timely one, a lot can still be done to save Nigeria the loss of a generation.