Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Nigeria have raised an urgent call to the Federal Government and regulatory agencies to ensure the effective implementation of Graphic Health Warnings (GHWs) on all Tobacco products. This includes not only conventional cigarettes but also shisha and flavoured vapes. These organisations emphasize that such measures are critical in reducing the adverse health effects of tobacco use and in protecting the health of Nigerians, especially the youth. Speaking at a press briefing on Friday, Akinbode Oluwafemi, Chairman of the Nigeria Tobacco Control Alliance, highlighted the increasing use of tobacco products, particularly among the young population. He expressed concern about the low compliance with the regulations, especially for “shisha” and flavoured vapes.
Despite the well-documented serious health implications, these products are gaining popularity, often perceived as less harmful alternatives to traditional cigarettes. Oluwafemi stressed the importance of GHWs, noting their proven effectiveness in reducing tobacco use and its associated harms. He said that the introduction of Graphic Health Warnings has been proven as an effective way of reducing tobacco use and its associated harms. According to him, studies have shown that these warnings are more effective than text-only warnings in communicating the risks associated with tobacco use. They are also more likely to be noticed and remembered by users and intending users.
Legal framework and obligations, and compliance challenges.
Its implementation is not merely a recommendation but a legal requirement, both internationally and locally. Article 11 of the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), to which Nigeria is a signatory, mandates the inclusion of graphic health warnings on tobacco products. Additionally, Section 20 of the National Tobacco Control Act, 2015, requires manufacturers, importers, and distributors of tobacco products to ensure their products carry fully coloured graphic health warnings covering at least 50% of the principal display area. These warnings must clearly depict the health implications of tobacco use and exposure.
Currently, the set of GHWs in Nigeria, which includes a photo depicting mouth cancer, was issued on June 23, 2023, and is valid until June 22, 2025. This two-year cycle is designed to keep the warnings fresh and impactful, ensuring that they continue to resonate with the public. Despite these regulations, compliance remains a significant challenge. According to Oluwafemi, compliance with GHWs on conventional cigarettes is above 80%. However, the compliance level for other tobacco products like shisha and flavoured vapes is alarmingly low. These products are often marketed illegally in Nigeria, undermining the effectiveness of the laws designed to protect public health.
Role of enforcement agencies in implementation and public awareness.
“This is unacceptable,” Oluwafemi stated. “The tobacco industry should not undermine the laws governing its business in Nigeria.” He called for stricter enforcement and monitoring to ensure that all tobacco products comply with GHW regulations. Michael Olaniyan, the In-country Coordinator for Campaign for Tobacco-free Kids, echoed Oluwafemi’s sentiments and urged enforcement agencies to step up their efforts. He emphasized that the law covers all tobacco products, not just conventional cigarettes. “We know the tobacco industry will try to undermine the law, but the government needs to protect the health and wellbeing of the people, and this is one way to protect them,” Olaniyan said.
Effective implementation of GHWs requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes public awareness campaigns to educate the population about the dangers of tobacco use and the significance of the warnings. It also involves stringent monitoring and enforcement to ensure compliance across all tobacco products. Public Health experts suggest that Nigeria could benefit from looking at successful models from other countries. For example, countries like Australia, Canada, and Uruguay have implemented robust GHW systems that have significantly reduced smoking rates. These countries have comprehensive enforcement mechanisms, regular updates to warning labels, and strong public Education campaigns that could serve as models for Nigeria.
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The call from CSOs for stronger implementation of GHWs is a crucial step in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against tobacco-related diseases. The government and regulatory bodies must heed this call and take decisive action to enforce existing laws and ensure compliance across all tobacco products. This includes addressing the loopholes that allow products like shisha and flavoured vapes to be marketed illegally. Finally, effectively implementing GHWs on all tobacco products is not just a legal obligation but a moral one. Protecting the health of Nigerians, especially the youth, from the devastating effects of tobacco use requires concerted effort and unwavering commitment from all stakeholders.