A coalition of public health organisations has asked President Bola Tinubu not to sign the proposed amendment to the National Tobacco Control Act, arguing that several provisions could weaken existing protections.
The Nigeria Tobacco Control Community also called on the National Assembly to withdraw the bill and subject it to another transparent review centred on public health.
Representatives of Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa and the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids said Nigeria needed a single strong regulatory framework covering all tobacco and nicotine products.
The coalition acknowledged that the existing 2015 law and 2019 regulations required updating to address newer products.
It argued, however, that reform should not create weaker standards for electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco products or nicotine pouches.
The groups raised concerns about proposed definitions, advertising provisions, online sales, product sampling and the size of health warnings.
They also claimed that some provisions could reduce penalties for violations and give the responsible minister excessive discretion over exemptions.
The coalition said certain proposed changes were positive, including the expansion of smoke free areas around schools and health facilities.
It maintained that those provisions did not outweigh what it considered the broader risks in the draft law.
The organisations asked lawmakers to publish committee reports, voting records and stakeholder submissions associated with the legislation.
They also urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to clarify its position on the bill.
The coalition said any amendment should strengthen rather than weaken Nigeria’s public health safeguards.
