A public health advocacy group has formally requested detailed records from Nigeria’s National Assembly on the proposed amendment to the National Tobacco Control Act.
Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) invoked the Freedom of Information Act in a letter dated August 13, seeking certified copies of all legislative documents related to the National Tobacco Control Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025. The request covers every stage of the bill’s journey through both the Senate and House of Representatives, including votes, committee reports, public hearing records, and the names of its sponsors.
CAPPA said the move aims to promote transparency and trace how certain provisions that could weaken existing tobacco control measures found their way into the final bill. The group noted that some of these provisions were absent during a public hearing held in November 2024.
The request follows concerns raised by a coalition of over 100 civil society organisations and public health advocates who have called for the bill to be recalled. They argue that clauses on non-combustible nicotine products, online sales, advertising, and product sampling could create loopholes that expose young people to tobacco and nicotine marketing.
CAPPA maintains that any review of the tobacco control law should strengthen public health protections rather than dilute them.
