Overview

The National Tobacco Control Act, 2015 is a comprehensive piece of legislation passed by the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, enacted on May 26, 2015, to regulate and control the production, manufacture, sale, advertising, promotion, and sponsorship of tobacco or tobacco products in Nigeria. The Act aims to protect present and future generations from the devastating health, social, economic, and environmental consequences of tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke, and to give effect to obligations under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and related treaties to which Nigeria is a Party. The Act is divided into several parts. Part I outlines the objectives. Part II establishes the National Tobacco Control Committee and the Tobacco Control Unit, defining their functions. The Committee oversees tobacco control policies, while the Unit implements them. Part III creates a Tobacco Control Fund to finance these efforts. Part IV prohibits smoking in public places and outlines duties of those who own or control such places, with penalties for non-compliance. Part V bans tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship, requiring disclosures and imposing penalties. Part VI prohibits the sale of tobacco products to persons under 18 years of age. Part VII regulates tobacco product standards and requires disclosure of product contents and emissions. Part VIII mandates health warnings on packaging, prohibits misleading packaging, and sets compliance dates. It also limits interactions between government and the tobacco industry, promotes public awareness, and prohibits voluntary contributions from the industry. Part IX requires licensing of tobacco dealers and measures to prevent illicit trade. Part X covers enforcement, including investigation, powers of authorized officers, penalties, search warrants, restoration orders, and forfeiture. Part XI mandates education, communication, training, and public awareness campaigns. Part XII includes miscellaneous provisions such as regulations, evaluation, protection from retaliation, application of penalties, price and tax measures, repeal of previous legislation, and interpretation. The Act includes schedules for detailed implementation. It provides a legal framework to reduce tobacco use and its associated harms, aligning with international obligations. The Act emphasizes public health, protection of minors, and strict control over tobacco industry activities.

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