By Dr. Nafisat Makinde
The Federal Government of Nigeria has imposed a landmark $110 million penalty on British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) while unveiling new national survey data showing a sharp decline in tobacco use. The announcements were made during Nigeria’s high-level presentation on Monday, 17 November 2025, at the Eleventh Session of the Conference of Parties (COP11) to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) in Geneva.
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, told COP11 delegates that the country has made major strides in tobacco control. “Our new data show that daily tobacco use has declined significantly since 2012. This demonstrates the effectiveness of strong enforcement, public awareness campaigns, and strategic reforms implemented after COP10 in 2024,” he said.
The Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS 2025), conducted for the first time since 2012, revealed that 43.3 percent of smokers are now considering quitting after exposure to pictorial health warnings, up from 26.7 percent in 2012. Exposure to second-hand smoke in homes and public places also declined significantly, demonstrating the success of national tobacco control policies. “These figures clearly show that our interventions are producing measurable results, and more Nigerians are making healthier choices,” Dr. Salako added.
To strengthen implementation of the National Tobacco Control Act (2015) and its Regulations (2018), Nigeria has introduced three strategic instruments for 2024 to 2028. These include the National Tobacco Control Strategic Plan of Action, the National Tobacco Control Communication Strategy, and the National Tobacco Control Enforcement Plan. “These frameworks enhance surveillance, compliance, and multisectoral collaboration, ensuring tobacco control is effective at all levels,” Dr. Salako stated.
A major highlight of Nigeria’s COP11 presentation was the enforcement of Article 19 of the WHO FCTC, which deals with tobacco industry liability. The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) imposed a $110 million fine on BATN after multiple violations of national tobacco control and consumer protection laws. “This action sends a strong message that the tobacco industry must bear responsibility for practices that undermine public health,” Dr. Salako said.
Nigeria also announced fresh restrictions introduced by the National Film and Video Censors Board, enforcing a comprehensive ban on Tobacco Advertising, Promotion, and Sponsorship (TAPS) across films, music videos, television, and digital platforms. Dr. Salako described this as “a bold and historic step that will curb indirect promotion of tobacco use, especially given Nigeria’s role as a global hub for Nollywood and African music.”
Reflecting on the COP11 theme, “Healthy planet, healthy future: uniting for a tobacco-free generation,” Dr. Salako acknowledged ongoing challenges, including subnational enforcement gaps, emerging nicotine products, and persistent industry interference. “Nigeria remains unwaveringly committed to the WHO FCTC and will continue to strengthen international collaboration, technical support, and knowledge exchange to protect public health,” he affirmed.
He concluded by wishing delegates productive deliberations as global partners work toward a tobacco-free world. These measures reinforce Nigeria’s leadership in tobacco control and set a benchmark for other countries in Africa.
