Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has raised concerns over the increasing collaboration between government agencies and the tobacco industry, which it believes undermines public health efforts. CAPPA’s Executive Director, Oluwafemi Akinbode, addressed a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, urging the Nigerian government to enforce stricter penalties for violations of smoking regulations.
Akinbode pointed out that despite clear provisions in Section 18 of the National Tobacco Control Act 2015, which prohibits the tobacco industry from influencing public health policies or engaging in partnerships with public institutions, tobacco companies continue to form alliances with state governments, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), universities, and key government officials. These collaborations, according to CAPPA, allow the tobacco industry to promote its interests while undermining public health.
Akinbode called for the full implementation of Section 18, emphasizing that these interactions must be transparent and strictly regulated. He also advocated for amendments to the National Tobacco Control Act to close existing loopholes and better align Nigeria’s tobacco control efforts with global best practices.
CAPPA has also expressed concerns about the current review of the National Tobacco Control Act, particularly highlighting flaws in proposed amendments to the bill. Senior Programme Manager, Policy and Research, Zikora Ibeh, noted that the bill contains inaccuracies, such as referencing a non-existent “National Tobacco Smoking (Control) Act 2015,” which raises concerns about its legislative intent. Ibeh also criticized a proposed 30-meter smoking restriction near schools, daycare centers, and parks, arguing it was insufficient to protect vulnerable populations, particularly children.
CAPPA is calling for stronger enforcement and more effective legislation to combat the influence of the tobacco industry on public health policies in Nigeria.
