WHO COP11: Nigeria Unveils Major Gains In Tobacco Control, Highlights Landmark $110m Fine Against BATN in Geneva
The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced significant progress in its implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), with new survey data showing sharp declines in tobacco use and strengthened enforcement measures, including a landmark $110 million fine imposed on British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN).
Delivering Nigeria’s high-level statement at the Eleventh Session of the Conference of Parties (COP11) to the WHO FCTC in Geneva on Monday, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, reaffirmed the country’s alignment with the African Group and its commitment to a tobacco-free future.
Dr. Salako praised the conference leadership and the Convention Secretariat for convening the global meeting, noting that Nigeria has accelerated tobacco control reforms since COP10 in 2024.
He announced that Nigeria has completed data collection and analysis for the second round of the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS 2025), the country’s first since 2012. The results reveal a notable decline in daily tobacco use among adults, demonstrating the impact of national policies, enforcement actions, and public awareness campaigns.
The survey also highlighted the strong influence of pictorial health warnings, with the proportion of smokers considering quitting due to graphic warnings rising from 26.7% in 2012 to 43.3% in 2025. Exposure to second-hand smoke in homes and public places also declined significantly.
Dr. Salako detailed new strategic instruments being implemented to fast-track the National Tobacco Control Act (2015) and its Regulations (2018), including:
National Tobacco Control Strategic Plan of Action (2024–2028)
National Tobacco Control Communication Strategy (2024–2028)
National Tobacco Control Enforcement Plan (2024–2028)
These frameworks, he said, are strengthening surveillance, compliance, and multisectoral collaboration.
In what the Minister described as one of the most significant global applications of Article 19 on tobacco industry liability, Nigeria’s Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) recently imposed a $110 million fine on British American Tobacco Nigeria.
The fine followed multiple breaches of the National Tobacco Control Act, National Tobacco Control Regulations, and other consumer protection laws.
“This action sends a strong message that the tobacco industry must bear responsibility for actions that undermine public health,” Dr. Salako said.
Nigeria’s National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has also introduced new regulations enforcing a comprehensive ban on Tobacco Advertising, Promotion, and Sponsorship (TAPS) across films, music videos, television, and digital media.
Given the country’s global position as home to Nollywood, one of the world’s largest film industries, and a major hub for African music, Dr. Salako described the move as a “bold and historic step” to advance Article 13 of the WHO FCTC and curb indirect tobacco use promotion.
Reflecting on the COP11 theme, “Healthy planet, healthy future: uniting for a tobacco-free generation,” Dr. Salako noted that the 20th anniversary of the WHO FCTC presents an opportunity for renewed global commitment to preventing non-communicable diseases and reducing environmental harm from tobacco.
Despite progress, he acknowledged challenges such as subnational enforcement gaps, emerging nicotine products, and persistent industry interference.
Nigeria, he affirmed, “remains unwaveringly committed” to the WHO FCTC and will continue to seek international collaboration, technical support, and knowledge exchange to strengthen tobacco control.
He added by wishing delegates productive deliberations as global partners work toward a tobacco-free world.
