Key Appeal: Increase enforcement of National Tobacco Control Act and related regulations
Health Impact: Over 26,000 tobacco-related deaths annually in Nigeria
Industry Tactics: Exploitation of regulatory gaps to target youth with new products
On the 20th anniversary of the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has called on the Nigerian government to intensify enforcement of existing tobacco control laws. Despite the enactment of the National Tobacco Control Act in 2015 and subsequent regulations, enforcement remains weak, allowing the tobacco industry to exploit loopholes and market new, addictive products, particularly to younger demographics. CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, highlighted the severe health consequences, noting that tobacco-related illnesses claim over 26,000 lives annually in Nigeria and impose significant economic burdens due to healthcare costs and lost productivity. He also emphasized the environmental damage caused by tobacco cultivation and waste.
CAPPA urges the government to prioritize public health by closing regulatory gaps and ensuring strict adherence to tobacco control measures.
