Coalition to Tinubu: Don’t Assent to National Tobacco Control Act Amendment Bill
* Says it compromises public health Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The Nigeria Tobacco Control Community has called on President Bola Tinubu to withhold assent to the National Tobacco Control Act
The Nigeria Tobacco Control Community has urged President Bola Tinubu to withhold his assent to the National Tobacco Control Act (Amendment) Bill 2025, claiming it threatens public health in Nigeria. The group, which met in Abuja, has also demanded the National Assembly recall the consolidated Bill for a transparent, public health-led review.
The alliance, known as Corporate Accountability & Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), emphasized that while minor positive updates exist, such as extending smoke-free zones and adding certain government agencies to the National Tobacco Control Committee, these are outweighed by more harmful changes throughout the text. Key issues include Clause 16, which treats heated tobacco products as noncombustible and exempts them from the legal definition of tobacco products, and Clause 7, which introduces subsection (6) to Section 12, currently prohibiting tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship.
The coalition further criticized the Bill for permitting online sales of tobacco products, reducing health warning sizes, and granting the minister broad discretion over product regulations. They also pointed out that the Bill fails to strengthen existing safeguards, creating a loophole for product sampling and weakening penalties for non-compliance.
The alliance demands President Tinubu withhold assent and calls for the National Assembly to recall the Bill for a thorough review, demanding transparency in the process.
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