NATIONAL TOBACCO ENFORCEMENT PLAN

What Is This Policy?

The National Tobacco Control Enforcement Plan operationalises the National Tobacco Control Act 2015, providing a systematic approach for enforcing Nigeria's tobacco laws, including smoke-free policies, advertising bans, graphic health warnings, and plain packaging requirements. Nigeria is a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).

Who Does It Target?

Tobacco manufacturers, importers, and distributors operating in Nigeria Retailers, kiosk operators, and street sellers of tobacco products Hospitality operators (restaurants, hotels, entertainment venues) with smoke-free obligations All Nigerians, particularly youth and women, who are increasingly targeted by tobacco marketing

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Reduce tobacco use prevalence among Nigerians from approximately 3.9% (adults) and 4.6% (youth) by 30% by 2030 Enforce 100% smoke-free environments in all public places, workplaces, public transport, and educational and healthcare facilities Implement full FCTC obligations: graphic health warnings on 50% of packaging, complete advertising bans, and a ban on tobacco company sponsorship Prevent youth from starting tobacco use by banning sales to persons under 18 and prohibiting tobacco machines and point-of-sale advertising near schools

Key Features

Smoke-Free Environments: The Tobacco Control Act bans smoking in all indoor public places, workplaces, public transport, stadiums, and within 50 metres of healthcare and educational facilities Graphic Health Warnings: All tobacco products must display graphic health warnings covering at least 50% of both sides of the pack in English and the dominant local language Advertising Total Ban: Complete prohibition on tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship in all media, events, and sports Minor Protection: Sale of tobacco to persons under 18 is prohibited; cigarettes must not be sold individually (single sticks); vending machines near schools are banned Tobacco Taxation: Excise taxes on tobacco products are set to reduce affordability; revenues dedicated partly to health promotion programmes Industry Interference Protocol: Nigeria's FCTC obligations include protecting public health policy from tobacco industry interference; industry submissions on health regulations are subject to independent review

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Active; enforcement plan operational; smoke-free signage installed in public buildings nationwide Implementing Body: National Tobacco Control Committee; Federal Ministry of Health; NAFDAC; Nigeria Police Force; State Public Health Agencies Tobacco Burden: Over 6 million Nigerian adults smoke; tobacco causes approximately 17,500 deaths per year in Nigeria (WHO 2022) Enforcement Gap: Single stick sales and outdoor advertising violations remain common; enforcement capacity needs strengthening at state and LGA levels

How to Access

Report Violations: Report tobacco advertising, illegal sales to minors, or smoke-free violations to NAFDAC: nafdac.gov.ng or call 0800 NAFDAC (623322) Quit Smoking Support: Contact FMOH health promotion hotline for smoking cessation referral: health.gov.ng Hospitality Businesses: Display no-smoking signs in all indoor spaces; create designated outdoor smoking areas away from building entrances and ventilation Contact: NAFDAC: nafdac.gov.ng | FMOH: health.gov.ng | FCTC Focal Point: [email protected]

Official Resources

Website: health.gov.ng | nafdac.gov.ng Contact: National Tobacco Control Committee, Federal Ministry of Health, Phase III Secretariat, Shehu Shagari Way, Abuja Policy Summary | Source: FMOH, National Tobacco Control Act 2015, WHO FCTC Nigeria Report, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Tobacco Atlas Nigeria | February 2026

Legal Framework

The National Tobacco Control Enforcement Plan operates under the National Tobacco Control Act 2015, the NAFDAC Act, the Consumer Protection Council Act, and the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) Act 2022. International alignment is with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and its implementation guidelines (COP decisions), the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products, and the ECOWAS Regional Tobacco Control Framework.