By Toyin Victor, ABUJA
The Nigeria Tobacco Control Alliance, NTCA, has raised fresh concerns over the National Tobacco Control Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025, urging the National Assembly to halt further consideration or transmission of the consolidated Bill and subject it to a transparent, evidence-based public health review.
In a statement signed by Emmanuel Onwuka, Communications Officer, Nigeria Tobacco Control Alliance, the Alliance said some provisions of the Bill could weaken existing tobacco-control safeguards and create regulatory openings for emerging tobacco and nicotine products.
The NTCA is particularly concerned about the proposed introduction of “tobacco harm reduction objectives” and the inclusion of electronic nicotine and non-nicotine delivery systems, heated tobacco products and tobacco-free oral nicotine pouches under the non-combustible products framework.
It also faulted provisions that would permit vaping for product sampling at points of sale, warning that such measures could encourage the promotion, normalisation and uptake of emerging nicotine products, particularly among young people.
The Alliance further raised concerns over proposed provisions permitting advertising and promotion of non-combustible products in adult publications, through point-of-sale materials and online adult advertising, as well as sponsorship of cultural, social and recreational events targeted at persons aged 18 and above.
According to the NTCA, the proposed definition of an “adult publication,” based on a 50 per cent adult readership threshold, may not adequately protect children and young people from exposure to tobacco and nicotine marketing, especially on digital platforms with substantial underage audiences.
The Alliance also expressed concern over provisions allowing online and remote sales of non-combustible products through mail, shipping and courier services, warning that gaps in age verification, third-party vendors and regulatory enforcement could make it easier for minors to access tobacco and nicotine products.
On enforcement and health warnings, the NTCA said the consolidated Bill appears to remove specified penalty provisions under Section 16 of the 2015 Act, while proposed changes could reduce the visibility and effectiveness of health warnings on emerging products, including electronic cigarettes, heating devices and nicotine pouches.
The Alliance is therefore calling on the National Assembly to halt transmission of the Bill to the President, recall it for detailed scrutiny, publish relevant committee reports, voting records and stakeholder submissions, and consult public health institutions, civil society organisations and other affected stakeholders, with priority given to protecting children and young people, preventing nicotine dependence and ensuring effective enforcement.