A collective of over 100 health organizations and civil society groups in Nigeria has formally expressed opposition to the National Tobacco Control Act (Amendment) Bill 2025. During a recent media event in Abuja, these advocates warned that the legislation could undermine existing public health protections against nicotine and tobacco usage.
Akinbode Oluwafemi, representing Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, characterized the proposed amendments as deceptive. He cautioned that the changes could create significant regulatory gaps, enabling tobacco companies to expand their influence. The coalition particularly criticized clauses that could permit online sales of nicotine products, reduce health warning requirements on packaging, and weaken restrictions on advertising for non-combustible items.
Furthermore, the group argued that labeling these items as products of ‘tobacco harm reduction’ is misleading, as it does not equate to complete safety or the elimination of toxicity. They expressed deep concern regarding provisions that might allow manufacturers to influence their own safety data and limit the government’s oversight capabilities.
While the advocates acknowledged minor positive additions—such as broader smoke-free zones—they maintained that these do not outweigh the risks posed by the rest of the bill. Consequently, they are calling on the National Assembly to withdraw the proposal for a more transparent review and are urging President Bola Tinubu to reject the bill if it reaches his desk in its current state.
