She said it had become a silent epidemic, with the figure rising to 71 per cent among elderly patients in some hospital wards.
The Nigerian Cancer Society has called for the strict implementation and enforcement of the National Tobacco Control Act 2015 to curb rising tobacco use and nicotine addiction.
The economic burden of tobacco consumption in Nigeria totals roughly N211.2 billion annually, spanning direct healthcare costs and indirect losses from illness and premature death.
Mr Brown-Arkah allowed a drug ring to proliferate inside and on the steps of his clinic, where drug dealers offered to buy patients’ Suboxone prescriptions for cash.
He advised that any patient with malaria or typhoid fever who fails to respond to treatment should be evaluated immediately for possible Lassa fever.
The commissioner described MMIA as Nigeria’s most important point of entry.
The platform seeks to strengthen media engagement and awareness creation on health, among other issues.
Mr Abba-Kaza noted that the outbreak had spread to 36 wards and more than 138 communities.
Mr Odudu said the government should also implement policy against tobacco use and abuse.
Mr Tinubu described the investments as the most ambitious healthcare renewal programme undertaken in a generation.
