Nigeria advocacy groups urge President Tinubu to reject tobacco amendment bill

Several advocacy groups have called on President Bola Tinubu to withhold his assent to the National Tobacco Control Act (Amendment) Bill 2025. The Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI), the Initiative for Community Development and Advancement of Social Orientation (ICODASO), and the Cedars Refuge Foundation issued a joint statement expressing concern that the proposed changes could undermine Nigeria’s existing tobacco control progress.

The organizations argued that the current 2015 Act and its 2019 regulations align with global standards established by the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. They specifically highlighted existing protections regarding graphic health warnings, smoke-free public spaces, and restrictions on sales to minors.

The groups described the amendments as a “rude shock,” warning that the bill may relax restrictions on the advertising and promotion of tobacco and nicotine products. They expressed particular concern over provisions that might permit online marketing, point-of-sale displays, remote sales, and event sponsorships, noting that Nigeria’s previous regulatory efforts had recently earned international recognition from the WHO.