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

Civil society organisations, health advocates, and public-interest groups in Nigeria have rallied against the proposed National Tobacco Control Act (Amendment) Bill 2025, insisting that it could expose Nigerian youths to addictive nicotine products. The Nigeria Tobacco Control Community, which includes the Executive Director of Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, Akinbode Oluwafemi, presented their opposition at an event in Abuja.

The coalition expressed concern over provisions that could weaken existing safeguards and create new opportunities for advertising, promotion, and sales of emerging products like vapes, heated tobacco products, and nicotine pouches. They questioned the legality of allowing advertising in adult publications, sponsoring cultural events, and permitting online sales, arguing that these measures could undermine public health protections.

The groups also rejected the classification of heated tobacco products as non-combustible, citing their still-toxic and addictive nature. Despite acknowledging some positive aspects, such as extending smoke-free zones to schools, the coalition urged the National Assembly to recall the bill for a transparent review focused on public health.