By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Correspondent
PROGRESS IN Nigeria’s tobacco control efforts formed the core of the country’s presentation at the ongoing 11th Session of the Conference of Parties to the World Health Organisation (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in Geneva, where the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, outlined regulatory actions, enforcement milestones and fresh survey findings that he said demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to reducing tobacco use and protecting public health.
Dr Salako delivered Nigeria’s high-level statement at the global meeting on Monday, telling delegates that the country had achieved what he described in the official remarks as “remarkable progress” since 2012, including a continued decline in the number of adults using tobacco.
He referenced national data generated through the Global Adult Tobacco Survey, noting that the second round of the survey completed in 2025 shows a further drop in daily tobacco use among adults compared with earlier years.
The minister said the trend reflects the impact of strengthened regulation and public education over the last decade.
Delegates at the opening session included over 1,400 participants from government institutions, international organisations and civil society groups, among them Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa.
According to the official statement from CAPPA signed by its Media and Communication Officer, Robert Egbe, representatives of 162 Parties to the WHO FCTC commenced discussions on measures designed to reduce tobacco use, curb related deaths, and address environmental harms linked to tobacco cultivation, consumption and waste.
The minister reported that Nigeria’s latest survey findings indicate a rise in the number of smokers considering quitting after viewing graphic health warnings on tobacco products.
He stated that the proportion of smokers who contemplated cessation after seeing the warnings increased from 26.7 per cent in 2012 to 43.3 per cent in 2025.
He also noted a significant reduction in exposure to second-hand smoke in homes, government buildings, restaurants, public transport, tertiary institutions and schools.
Dr Salako told the assembly that Nigeria continues to update and reinforce its regulatory framework through a suite of strategic documents supporting the National Tobacco Control Act 2015 and the National Tobacco Control Regulations 2019.
These 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.
He said the documents strengthen coordinated implementation and improve multisectoral engagement.
The minister highlighted Nigeria’s implementation of Article 19 of the WHO FCTC as one of its notable achievements.
He referenced the recent decision by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to impose a fine of 110 million US dollars on British American Tobacco Nigeria for multiple infringements of national tobacco control laws and consumer protection regulations.
Dr Salako further described the enforcement action in his formal statement as one of the most significant applications of Article 19 globally, adding that it underscores the requirement for the tobacco industry to bear responsibility for conduct that undermines public health.
Further regulatory developments were outlined, including recent measures by the National Film and Video Censors Board to prohibit tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship across films, television, music videos and digital platforms.
The minister said the move gives effect to Article 13 of the WHO FCTC, focusing on preventing indirect advertising and limiting content that could normalise tobacco use among young people.
Dr Salako cautioned, however, that despite the clear gains recorded, challenges remain. He identified ongoing tobacco industry interference and the growth of new nicotine products as areas requiring continuous vigilance.
He encouraged stronger global collaboration, technical support and knowledge exchange to support countries, particularly developing nations, as they respond to evolving industry tactics.
He concluded his remarks by acknowledging that further progress depends on strengthened enforcement at national and subnational levels and on sustained action against misleading narratives surrounding emerging nicotine products.
The minister expressed Nigeria’s appreciation to the WHO FCTC Secretariat, COP11 leadership and participating Parties and extended best wishes to delegates as they continued their deliberations in Geneva.
Alongside discussions on two decades of progress since the convention entered into force, the conference also included a ministerial roundtable hosted by the Government of Belgium.
The session addressed nicotine addiction in young people and examined national strategies for preventing the uptake of e-cigarettes and other novel nicotine products.
Participants reviewed lessons learned from different jurisdictions and considered the role of the WHO FCTC in addressing the issue.
According to Andrew Black, Acting Head of the Secretariat of the WHO FCTC, COP11 offers Parties an opportunity to consider forward-looking measures on tobacco control, environmental protection, liability, and the reduction of tobacco consumption, nicotine addiction and exposure to tobacco smoke.
He said the Secretariat welcomes all Parties and observers to advance international cooperation and intensify global action against the tobacco epidemic.
COP11 is being held under the theme “20 years of change – uniting generations for a tobacco-free future” and will be followed by the Fourth Meeting of the Parties to the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products, scheduled for 24–26 November.
