Proposed tobacco bill could expose Nigerian youths to nicotine, groups warn

Civil society groups and health advocates in Nigeria have urged the recall of the National Tobacco Control Act (Amendment) Bill 2025, expressing concerns over potential loopholes that could expose youths to addictive nicotine products. The Nigeria Tobacco Control Community stated that the bill, if passed, could weaken safeguards and create new avenues for advertising, promotion and online sales of electronic and heated tobacco products, as well as nicotine pouches.

The coalition, led by CAPPA's Akinbode Oluwafemi, argued that any amendments to the 2015 National Tobacco Control Act must strengthen public health protections, rather than weaken them. They objected to provisions allowing advertising in adult publications, online sales, and sponsorship of cultural events, questioning the capacity of regulators to monitor such activities.

The groups also criticized the reduction in health-warning requirements and the classification of heated tobacco products as non-combustible. Despite some positive provisions, such as extending smoke-free zones, the coalition maintained that the bill's broader weaknesses outweighed these improvements and urged the National Assembly to reject the amendment and reconsider its provisions.