Nigeria: Health Advocates Reject Easing of Advertising Restrictions in Tobacco Bill

What the report says

Nigeria’s tobacco-control advocates are opposing the National Tobacco Control Act (Amendment) Bill 2025, warning that parts of the draft could weaken existing protections. According to Daily Trust, the Nigeria Tobacco Control Alliance (NTCA) urged the National Assembly to withdraw the bill and subject it to a transparent review led by public health experts before it is sent to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assent.

The coalition, which said it represents more than 100 civil society groups and health-focused organisations, raised concerns in Abuja on Monday. Its members said the amended bill could relax rules on advertising, sponsorship, product sampling, retail displays and online sales, and could also expand room for tobacco and nicotine companies to reach younger audiences. They specifically questioned language around “adult publications” and warned that digital platforms could allow promotional content to spread beyond intended readers.

The NTCA also objected to proposed provisions on remote ordering and delivery of non-combustible nicotine products, arguing that age checks may be difficult to enforce. It further said the draft could remove some specific penalties related to sales to minors and packaging breaches, creating loopholes for violators. The alliance called for publication of committee reports, voting records and stakeholder submissions tied to the bill, and asked the health ministry to clarify its position. The dispute matters because Nigeria’s tobacco rules are intended to limit addiction and protect public health, especially among young people.