The organizations highlighted the importance of addressing regulatory gaps, protecting public health, and preventing the tobacco industry from unduly influencing Nigeria’s health policies.
They urged the Nigerian government to take cues from the recent decisive measures implemented by the governments of Kenya and the United Kingdom to reduce tobacco consumption.
The advocates pointed out that the title of one of the proposed bills is flawed and harmful to public health, as it restricts the definition of tobacco use to smoking alone.
While acknowledging that some sections of the proposed amendment bill are progressive, the groups expressed concern that others could be counterproductive and pose significant risks to the youth.
They cautioned that these provisions might jeopardize years of efforts aimed at reducing tobacco use among young people, especially in light of the rise of new products such as e-cigarettes, vapes, nicotine pouches, and smokeless tobacco, which are not regulated under the current NTCA 2015.
During a press briefing held by the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) and the Nigeria Tobacco Control Alliance (NTCA) in Abuja on Wednesday, the advocates identified several urgent areas in the proposed amendments that need attention, particularly regarding the regulation of new tobacco products.
They emphasized that these new products, including e-cigarettes, vapes, nicotine pouches, and smokeless tobacco, currently lack regulation under existing legislation.
The advocates also expressed concerns about the aggressive marketing tactics employed by tobacco companies targeting young people, often accompanied by misleading claims of being safer alternatives.
Additionally, they emphasized the necessity for the new legislation to clearly prohibit the advertising, promotion, and sponsorship of these products in order to limit their widespread appeal.
They also expressed concerns regarding the suggested 30-meter no-smoking buffer zone around schools, daycare centers, and parks, deeming it insufficient to safeguard children and other vulnerable populations.
Referencing a 2018 Senate resolution that advocated for a 100-meter restriction, they insisted that this distance be implemented to provide enhanced protection against the detrimental effects of secondhand smoke.
Moreover, the proposal to eliminate the ban on single-stick cigarette sales faced backlash from advocates, who contended that such sales render tobacco products more affordable and accessible, particularly to minors and low-income individuals, thereby undermining public health initiatives aimed at reducing smoking rates.
They called for the reinstatement of the ban on single-stick sales and urged for stricter enforcement to prevent violations.
The group highlighted the increasing role of digital platforms in the marketing of tobacco products, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive regulatory measures.
They advocated for clear regulations governing online advertising and promotion of tobacco products, especially since digital channels like social media frequently target younger audiences.
They proposed imposing penalties on platforms and vendors that enable the sale or promotion of these products online.
Nevertheless, they voiced their support for the proposed amendment to establish sustainable funding for tobacco control through the Tobacco Control Fund (TCF), endorsing the allocation of 40% of taxes, levies, and excise duties collected from tobacco products to the TCF, as it aligns with the principle of the polluter pays.
They also suggested broadening the scope of levies to include new products such as vapes and heated tobacco devices, emphasizing that these actions would not only deter usage but also generate essential funding for public health initiatives.
Akinbode Oluwafemi, Executive Director of CAPPA, dismissed assertions that taxing the tobacco sector negatively impacts the economy, pointing out that tobacco companies continue to report substantial profits despite existing regulations.
He advocated for increased taxes on all tobacco products, including new alternatives, to decrease consumption and support public health programs.
Oluwafemi called on public health officials and lawmakers to avoid partnerships with the tobacco industry.
Zikorah Ibeh from NTCA highlighted that the current collaboration between the tobacco industry and entities such as the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), universities, and various government ministries is detrimental to public health.
She remarked that this situation violates Section 18 of the National Tobacco Control Act (NTCA) 2015, which prohibits the tobacco industry from influencing public health policies, forming partnerships with public institutions, or engaging in youth initiatives under the guise of corporate social responsibility (CSR).
According to her, such collaborations serve to sanitize the tobacco industry's image while enticing vulnerable youth to use harmful tobacco products that jeopardize their health and future.
She urged the government and public health authorities to enforce Section 18 of the National Tobacco Control Act, ensuring that all dealings with the tobacco industry are transparent and strictly regulatory.
“By addressing these infractions and implementing amendments that genuinely prioritize public health, Nigeria can align its tobacco control policies with global best practices, safeguard its citizens, and hold the tobacco industry accountable,” she stated.