Tobacco: NTCA, CAPPA Advocate For Stronger Regulations To Protect Public Health

The National Tobacco Control Alliance (NTCA) and the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) have called on the federal government and lawmakers to ensure that any amendments to the National Tobacco Control Act (NTCA) 2015 prioritise public health over corporate interests.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, CAPPA Executive Director Akinbode Oluwafemi, emphasised the need for robust regulatory measures to address the rising threat of traditional and emerging tobacco products.

Oluwafemi highlighted the ongoing legislative process involving two proposed amendment Bills, House Bill 47 (HB 47) and House Bill 1151 (HB 1151), which aim to strengthen the NTCA.

However, he raised concerns about potential gaps in the proposed amendments that could weaken existing regulations.

CAPPA and NTCA stressed the urgent need to regulate products like e-cigarettes, vapes, nicotine pouches, and heat-not-burn devices.

These products are aggressively marketed to youth as “safer alternatives” despite evidence of their harmful effects.

Oluwafemi urged lawmakers to explicitly include these products in advertising, promotion, and sponsorship bans.

Also, the organisations recommended increasing the proposed 30-meter buffer around schools, parks, and daycare centres to at least 100 meters, aligning with a 2018 Senate resolution. This measure, they said, would provide more robust protection against secondhand smoke exposure for children and other vulnerable groups.

They criticised proposals to weaken enforcement against single-stick sales, a practice that makes tobacco products more accessible to minors and low-income individuals. The organisations called for reinstating penalties for such sales.

On the regulation of digital marketing, Oluwafemi noted that with social media platforms’ growing influence in promoting tobacco products, comprehensive regulations are needed to curb digital marketing targeting minors.

The ED expressed CAPPA and NTCA support for the proposals to allocate 40 per cent of tobacco-related taxes to the TCF, which aligns with the “polluter-pays” principle.  He also recommended extending such taxation to emerging tobacco products to discourage consumption and generate funds for public health programs.

He urged lawmakers to maintain the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMOHSW) as the lead body for tobacco control, emphasising its expertise and ability to implement evidence-based public health measures.

Oluwafemi called on public health authorities and government officials to resist tobacco industry influence and reaffirm their commitment to protecting Nigerians’ health.