Nigeria has recorded a substantial progress in its tobacco control efforts, unveiling new data and enforcement actions that underscore the country’s commitment to safeguarding public health.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako stated this in Geneva while presenting Nigeria’s high-level statement at the Eleventh Session of the Conference of Parties (COP11) to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC).
Dr. Salako reaffirmed “Nigeria’s alignment with the African Group and restated the Federal Government’s commitment to a tobacco-free future.”
He noted that since COP10 in 2024, Nigeria had accelerated the implementation of critical tobacco control reforms with measurable impact.
A major highlight of his statement was the completion of data collection and analysis for the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS 2025), the first since 2012.
According to the Minister, “the latest findings reveal a marked decline in daily tobacco use among adults, demonstrating the effectiveness of national policies, enforcement actions, and widespread public awareness campaigns.
“The GATS 2025 results also showed significant behavioral shifts among smokers. The number of smokers considering quitting due to pictorial health warnings increased from 26.7 percent in 2012 to 43.3 percent in 2025.
“Exposure to second-hand smoke in homes and public places similarly recorded major reductions, pointing to the growing impact of strict smoke-free policies across the country.”
Dr. Salako highlighted new strategic tools being deployed to fast-track the implementation of the National Tobacco Control Act (2015) and its Regulations (2018).
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He said;”These tools include the National Tobacco Control Strategic Plan of Action (2024–2028), the National Tobacco Control Communication Strategy (2024–2028), and the National Tobacco Control Enforcement Plan (2024–2028).
“Collectively, they are strengthening national surveillance systems, compliance mechanisms, and multisectoral collaboration.”
“In one of the most significant enforcement actions globally under Article 19 of the WHO FCTC, Nigeria recently imposed a $110 million fine on British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN).”
“The fine, issued by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), followed multiple violations of the National Tobacco Control Act, its accompanying Regulations, and consumer protection laws.
“This action sends a strong message that the tobacco industry must bear responsibility for actions that undermine public health,” Dr. Salako said, emphasizing the government’s unwavering resolve to check harmful industry practices.
He also announced new regulations by the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), which enforce a comprehensive ban on Tobacco Advertising, Promotion, and Sponsorship (TAPS) across films, music videos, television, and digital media.
Reflecting on the COP11 theme, “Healthy planet, healthy future: uniting for a tobacco-free generation,” Dr. Salako said the 20th anniversary of the WHO FCTC presents a unique moment for renewed global solidarity in tackling non-communicable diseases and reducing the environmental burden of tobacco cultivation and consumption.
Despite the progress recorded, the Minister acknowledged ongoing challenges, including uneven enforcement at subnational levels, the emergence of new nicotine products, and persistent interference by the tobacco industry.
However, he stressed that Nigeria “remains unwaveringly committed” to the WHO FCTC and would continue to leverage international collaboration, technical support, and knowledge-sharing to further strengthen tobacco control systems.
Dr. Salako wished delegates productive deliberations as global partners work toward achieving a tobacco-free world.