Health Advocates Urge Recall of Bill They Say Weakens Nigeria’s Tobacco Controls

Nigeria’s tobacco-control advocates have urged the National Assembly to recall the proposed National Tobacco Control Act Amendment Bill, 2025, warning that it could weaken existing protections against tobacco and nicotine products. They also asked President Bola Tinubu to withhold assent if the bill reaches him. The coalition said the proposal would give electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco products and nicotine pouches regulatory freedoms currently denied to conventional cigarettes. It raised concerns about provisions allowing some advertising, online sales, courier deliveries, retail displays and product sampling. The advocates further criticised proposed limits on health warnings, weaker penalties and provisions allowing companies to classify product information as trade secrets. They want all tobacco and nicotine products regulated under one strict framework, with strong warnings, transparent product disclosures and continued bans on promotion and remote sales.

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