Tobacco groups urge recall of amendment bill over health concerns
A coalition of tobacco control organisations is demanding the immediate recall of the National Tobacco Control Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025. The groups argue the bill would weaken existing regulations and expose more Nigerians, especially young people, to tobacco and nicotine products. They have called on relevant National Assembly committees and President Bola Tinubu to halt the bill’s progress. The coalition says the bill contradicts public health principles and international guidelines.
TLDR
- The coalition claims the bill would dismantle protections in the National Tobacco Control Act, 2015, especially for electronic cigarettes and other non-combustible products.
- They argue the bill’s definitions could allow some tobacco products to escape regulation.
- Provisions permitting advertising in “adult publications” and online platforms could still reach large numbers of children and teenagers.
- The groups say Nigeria lacks the capacity to enforce restrictions on online sales and advertising.
- They are calling for transparency in the legislative process and urging all stakeholders to oppose the bill.
