Coalition Demands Recall of Tobacco Control Amendment Bill

A coalition of tobacco control organizations has urged for the immediate recall of the National Tobacco Control Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025, warning that it would undermine existing tobacco control measures and increase exposure to tobacco and nicotine products among Nigerians, particularly young people. In a joint statement issued on Thursday, the coalition called on the relevant committees of the National Assembly to withdraw the bill and requested President Bola Tinubu to withhold assent if it reaches him.

They contend that the bill would dismantle key protections from the National Tobacco Control Act, 2015, by allowing a more permissive framework for electronic cigarettes and other non-combustible products. The coalition criticized provisions that would permit tobacco advertising through various channels, arguing that the definition of adult publications would still expose children and teenagers to tobacco advertisements.

They cited UNICEF data indicating that over 60% of Nigerians are below 30 years, highlighting the potential risks of the bill's provisions.