A coalition of tobacco-control groups has rejected an amendment to Nigeria’s National Tobacco Control Act, calling it a threat to health and young people.
In a statement Thursday, the groups urged lawmakers to withdraw the National Tobacco Control Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 and asked President Bola Tinubu to withhold assent if it reaches him.
The House of Representatives passed the bill on 21st May 2025, after consolidating two bills.
A hearing was held in November 2024, where Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, or CAPPA, warned about gaps in the law.
The coalition said the bill would weaken restrictions on electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco products and nicotine pouches by allowing advertising, retail displays, sampling and online sales.
“In one of its most embarrassing contradictions,” the groups said, the bill excludes non-combustible products from the definition of tobacco products, even though heated tobacco products contain tobacco.
The groups also objected to rules allowing advertisements in “adult publications” where people older than 18 make up at least 50% of readers.
“As many as half of its readers could therefore be 18 or younger,” they said.
They criticised provisions allowing online purchases and home delivery, warning that age checks can be bypassed.
“The industry could advertise online, display and sample products in shops, and deliver them to consumers’ homes,” the coalition said.
The groups demanded the release of bill versions, committee reports, hearing records and voting records.
“Protecting public health is a shared responsibility,” they said.
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