The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako, has lauded Nigeria’s significant strides in tobacco control since 2012, noting a continued decline in adult tobacco use.
Salako made the remark at the ongoing 11th Session of the Conference of Parties (COP11) to the World Health Organisation, Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) in Geneva.
The minister’s remark was contained in a statement issued by
Mr Robert Egbe, Media and Communication Officer, Corporate Acountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), in Port Harcourt, on Tuesday.
Salako attributed the progress to strengthened enforcement, updated national data, and bold regulatory actions.
He cited some of the key achievements including the completion of the second round of the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS 2025), which shows a decline in daily tobacco use among adults.
He also mentioned a survey revealing that graphic health warnings had contributed to a rise in smokers considering quitting, from 26.7 per cent in 2012 to 43.3 per cent in 2025.
Salako said that the overall survey from 2012 to 2025, revealed that secondhand smoke significantly declined inside homes, government buildings, restaurants, public transportation, tertiary institutions, schools, and others.
The minister noted that Nigeria had advanced WHO FCTC Article 19, holding the tobacco industry accountable for actions undermining public health.
He cited a $110 million fine imposed on British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) for violating tobacco control laws.
Salako also highlighted new regulations from the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) prohibiting tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship across media platforms, a step towards protecting young people.
He, however, acknowledged some challenges, including tobacco industry interference and the rise of new nicotine products.
He called for global collaboration and technical support to counter industry tactics.
The Acting Head of the WHO FCTC Secretariat, Mr Andrew Black, said that the ongoing 11th Session of the Conference of Parties to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control presented an opportunity for parties to consider several forward-looking measures.
According to him, COP11 provides an opportunity for parties to consider forward-looking tobacco control measures, environmental protection, liability, and measures to prevent and reduce tobacco consumption, nicotine addiction, and exposure to tobacco smoke.
Black described the conference the theme of the ;”20 years of change – uniting generations for a tobacco-free future,” as apt.
He noted that it would be followed by the fourth meeting of the Parties to the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products from November 24-26.
