Health Groups Oppose Amendment to Tobacco Control Act in Nigeria

The Nigeria Tobacco Control Community, comprising over 100 civil society organizations and health advocates, has expressed opposition to the National Tobacco Control Act (Amendment) Bill 2025. The coalition warns that the proposed legislation could undermine existing protections against tobacco use in the country.

In particular, the health groups are concerned that the amendments might facilitate online sales of vaping products and nicotine substances, thereby increasing access to these potentially harmful products.

Additionally, the coalition has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to withhold signing the bill into law. They also called on the National Assembly to recall the bill and conduct a review guided by public health principles.

These developments highlight ongoing tensions surrounding tobacco regulation in Nigeria, as the coalition seeks to strengthen tobacco control measures rather than loosen them through new legislation.