Civil society organisations and public health advocates have rejected proposed amendments to Nigeria’s tobacco control law, warning that some provisions could weaken safeguards around vapes, heated tobacco products and nicotine pouches.
The groups, under the Nigeria Tobacco Control Community, raised the concerns on Monday in Abuja during a briefing on the National Tobacco Control Act (Amendment) Bill 2025.
They called on the National Assembly to recall the consolidated bill and reopen it to wider public health scrutiny.
CSOs Demand Recall of Bill
Speaking on behalf of the group, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, said Nigeria needs to update the 2015 tobacco law and its 2019 regulations to address emerging nicotine products.
He, however, warned that the amendments must strengthen public health protections rather than create loopholes for the tobacco and nicotine industries.
“The review of the law should strengthen public health protections, not create weaker rules for emerging tobacco and nicotine products,” Oluwafemi said.
He criticized provisions that could permit advertising and promotion of non combustible nicotine products through adult publications, point of sale materials and online platforms.
According to him, restricting promotions to adult publications or events may not adequately protect children because content can easily be shared and amplified on social media.
Concerns Over Online Sales and Youth Access
Akinbode Oluwafemi also opposed proposed changes that could make online sales and distribution of non combustible nicotine products easier.
Although the bill provides for age verification, he said the system could be circumvented when adults purchase products on behalf of minors.
He also questioned whether regulators have enough capacity to monitor online vendors, websites, social media platforms, courier companies and delivery services involved in such transactions.
The concerns come as Nigeria faces growing availability of new and emerging nicotine products, including e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products and nicotine pouches.
Heated Tobacco Products Under Scrutiny
The campaigners also rejected the proposed classification of heated tobacco products as non combustible products.
Akinbode Oluwafemi argued that products containing tobacco and nicotine should remain subject to strong tobacco control measures.
He further criticized proposed packaging and health warning requirements for novel nicotine products, arguing that they could be weaker than existing requirements for conventional tobacco products.
He was also concerned about provisions that could exempt cigarette and heating devices from carrying health warnings.
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Too Much Discretion
Another major concern is a provision that would give the Minister of Health powers to exempt certain non combustible products from provisions of the proposed law on undefined public interest grounds.
Akinbode Oluwafemi warned that such broad discretion could create opportunities for lobbying and regulatory capture.
He also alleged that some controversial provisions were not included in versions of the bill presented during the November 2024 public hearing.
He consequently demanded the publication of committee reports, voting records and stakeholder submissions used in developing the consolidated bill.
Campaigners Warn of Youth Nicotine Use
Michael Olaniyan, Country Coordinator of the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, said the amendments could weaken existing safeguards and create regulatory loopholes.
He particularly questioned the proposed definition of nicotine, warning that its reference to “naturally occurring” nicotine could potentially leave synthetic nicotine products inadequately regulated.
Olawale Makanjuola, Alliance Coordinator of the Nigeria Tobacco Control Alliance, also warned that weakening tobacco control measures could increase Nigeria’s health and economic burden.
He said tobacco related illnesses already claim more than 20,000 Nigerian lives annually, while healthcare costs associated with tobacco use run into billions of naira.
CSOs Appeal to Tinubu
Kenneth Anetor, Executive Director of A New Thing International Foundation, criticized provisions allowing product sampling at points of sale.
He warned that product sampling could encourage curiosity and initiation among young people, while the sale of smaller packs could make nicotine products more affordable and accessible.
“We are calling on the National Assembly to review and recall the bill and create an avenue for other stakeholders to participate in the process,” Kenneth Anetor said.
The CSOs urged the National Assembly to recall the bill and conduct a transparent, public health led review.
They also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to assent to the legislation if it reaches his desk in its current form, insisting that any amendment to Nigeria’s tobacco law should strengthen protections for children, young people and the wider public.
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