- CAPPA raised concerns over collaborations between government agencies and tobacco firms and urged stricter enforcement of the National Tobacco Control Act
- The organization criticized proposed bills to amend the NTCA, emphasizing the need to prioritize public health over tobacco industry interests
The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has raised alarms over alleged alliances between government agencies and tobacco companies, calling for stricter enforcement of the National Tobacco Control Act (NTCA) 2015.
During a media briefing in Abuja, Zikora Ibeh, CAPPA’s Senior Programme Manager for Policy Research, criticized two proposed bills to amend the NTCA—HB 47 and HB 1151.
While acknowledging the potential to improve tobacco regulation, Ibeh noted procedural flaws and emphasized the need to ensure public health remains the top priority.
Of particular concern, Ibeh highlighted the aggressive marketing of tobacco products to young people, including claims that these products are “safer alternatives.”
Akinbode Oluwafemi, CAPPA’s Executive Director, condemned collaborations between tobacco firms and public institutions, including the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and universities.
He argued that such partnerships violate Section 18 of the NTCA 2015, which bars tobacco industry involvement in public health policies or youth-targeted activities.
“These partnerships undermine public health efforts and flout the Act’s provisions,” Oluwafemi said. He also criticized the lack of enforcement measures like the 2018 Senate resolution mandating a 100-meter buffer around schools.
CAPPA urged the federal government and health authorities to enforce Section 18 rigorously, ensuring that all interactions with the tobacco industry are fully transparent and regulatory.
Oluwafemi called for amendments to the NTCA that align with global best practices, strengthen public health protections, and hold the tobacco industry accountable for its actions in Nigeria.
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