Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has warned House of Representatives that smoking-focused law could spike tobacco-related deaths in Nigeria.
Presenting a memorandum on Friday to the Hon. Bassey Akiba-led House Committee on Healthcare Services in Abuja, CAPPA’s Zikorah Ibeh criticized the proposed National Tobacco Smoking Bill (HB 1151) as fundamentally flawed.
The Guardian report noted that CAPPA pointed out that the Bill incorrectly refers to a non-existent “National Tobacco Smoking Act of 2015,” raising concerns about its credibility and understanding of tobacco control laws.
If the intended reference is the National Tobacco Control Act (NTCA) 2015, CAPPA argued that the Bill’s narrow focus on “smoking” ignores other harmful tobacco products, including vapes, heated tobacco products, and other devices.
Such an omission creates regulatory loopholes that could be exploited by the tobacco and vaping industries, leaving Nigerians vulnerable to emerging health threats.
Conversely, CAPPA commended the lawmakers for HB 47, another proposed amendment to the NTCA, which seeks to address funding gaps and regulatory weaknesses.
The amendment introduces new funding streams for the Tobacco Control Fund, including 40% of taxes and levies on tobacco products, fines for violations, and proceeds from forfeited assets.
Additionally, HB 47 proposes mechanisms to ensure the Fund is effectively managed, with clear guidelines on allocation, regular audits, and public reporting to prevent mismanagement and advance public health goals.
CAPPA emphasized that robust oversight and a comprehensive approach to all forms of tobacco use are essential to protect Nigerians from the health hazards associated with tobacco products.
