As the world marks World Vaping Day on May 30, 2025 , Nigerian public health experts are calling on the federal government to urgently adopt evidence-based tobacco harm reduction (THR) strategies to combat the country’s high smoking rates.
The global event brings together scientists, former smokers, and health advocates to raise awareness about the benefits of safer nicotine alternatives—particularly vaping —as effective tools for reducing the harms associated with traditional cigarette use.
This year’s theme emphasizes the growing urgency for African nations like Nigeria to embrace science-backed policies that support adult smokers in transitioning away from combustible tobacco.
Nigeria at a Public Health Crossroads
“Nigeria stands at a public health crossroads,” said Yusuff Adebisi Adebayo , a leading public health advocate and director at Global Health Focus . “Global data is clear: countries that embrace vaping and similar alternatives are seeing dramatic declines in smoking rates. Nigeria must not be left behind.”
According to findings from multiple studies—including landmark reviews by Public Health England and the Royal College of Physicians —vaping is at least 95% less harmful than smoking . Unlike cigarettes, e-cigarettes deliver nicotine without combustion, which is responsible for most of the harmful effects of smoking.
Yet, despite this compelling evidence, Nigeria remains among many African countries without a comprehensive national policy on vaping .
Experts warn that this regulatory vacuum may be costing lives.
“A smoker in Nigeria today has limited support to quit, and even fewer access points to safer alternatives,” said Adebayo, who also works with the Africa Tobacco-Free Initiative . “We need to educate, regulate, and empower—not criminalize—those trying to quit.”
Lessons from Around the World
Countries like Sweden and the United Kingdom have demonstrated the effectiveness of tobacco harm reduction strategies.
In Sweden , smoking rates have dropped below 5% , largely due to the widespread use of low-risk nicotine products like snus and e-cigarettes . Similarly, the UK’s progressive approach to vaping , including public health campaigns like “Stoptober”, has brought smoking prevalence down to 11.9% .
“The evidence is undeniable,” said Adebayo, a public health policy expert at the University of Ibadan . “Countries that provide access to safer nicotine products see faster declines in cigarette use. Nigeria must learn from these successes instead of repeating the failures of prohibitionist models.”
The Need for a Three-Pronged Strategy
While Nigeria continues to implement traditional anti-tobacco measures such as taxation, advertising bans, and cessation counseling, recent studies show that most smokers have no intention to quit , and cessation support is scarce , especially in rural areas.
Tobacco harm reduction advocates argue that an abstinence-only strategy is out of touch with the realities of millions of Nigerian smokers.
“THR isn’t about promoting nicotine,” said Dr. Ade Akinyele, a THR researcher. “It’s about giving people real-world tools to reduce harm. Every Nigerian deserves that choice.”
Experts are now urging the Nigerian government to adopt a three-pronged THR strategy :
- Regulate vaping products to ensure safety and quality control
- Educate the public about the relative risks of smoking versus vaping
- Support adult smokers seeking to switch to safer alternatives through public health campaigns
Call to Action: Join the Conversation!
What do you think about regulating vaping in Nigeria as part of a broader tobacco harm reduction Nigeria strategy? Should safer nicotine alternatives be made available to help reduce smoking-related harm?
💬 Share your thoughts in the comments below.
📢 Don’t forget to share this post on social media to spread awareness about the potential of tobacco harm reduction in Nigeria.
About the author
DJ Abass Set to Bring Authentic Nigerian Flavors to London with My Tasty Naija Food Festival
From YouTube Sensation to Real-Life Festival The popular YouTube series My Tasty Naija is stepping off the screen and into real life with its first-ever food festival in London . Set for Sunday, July 13, 2025 , at the Chingford Rugby Club , this event will celebrate Nigerian and African cuisine like never before. What began as a digital journey through Nigerian food culture in January 2024 has grown into a full-blown cultural movement. Created by British-Nigerian media entrepreneur and DJ, Abass Tijani (DJ Abass) , the show quickly became a go-to platform for lovers of Nigerian food across the UK and beyond. A Culinary Journey Across Continents Since its launch, My Tasty Naija has taken viewers on a flavorful adventure — from the best suya spots in Peckham to top jollof rice makers in Wembley . One standout episode […]
NiMet Warns of Three-Day Thunderstorms and Heavy Rain Across Nigeria
NiMet Predicts Widespread Rain and Thunderstorms The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned that thunderstorms and heavy rains will affect many parts of Nigeria from Saturday to Monday . This weather outlook was released on Friday in Abuja and shared by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). The forecast covers all regions of the country, with varying intensity and timing across states. Saturday: Storms Begin in the North and Central Zones Early on Saturday, thunderstorms were expected in parts of: Taraba Kebbi Zamfara Kaduna Adamawa Later in the day, thunderstorms with rain were likely in: Borno, Sokoto, Gombe, and Bauchi In the North-Central region , early morning storms were predicted for: Benue, Plateau, Niger, FCT, and Nasarawa By afternoon, thunderstorms and rain were expected to spread to: FCT, Niger, Nasarawa, Benue, Kwara, Kogi, and Plateau Cloudy skies with morning rain […]
Polio: Kano Man Narrates How UNICEF and Deputy Governor Spurred Him to Immunise His Child
Father Changes Mind After Hearing Officials Speak Dan Jumai Ubale, from Bunkure Local Government Area in Kano , decided to immunise his two-year-old daughter after attending a polio campaign event. He was moved by speeches given by the Deputy Governor , Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam , and the UNICEF Chief in Kano , Mr. Rahama Rihood Mohammed Farah . He later returned with his daughter, Hafsat Musbahu , for immediate vaccination. He was joined by his wife, Hajiya Sahura Balarabe . “I Thought the Vaccine Was Harmful” Ubale admitted that he once believed the polio vaccine was dangerous . “I thought it was a plan by Western countries to reduce Africa’s population.” But after listening to the officials speak, he said his views completely changed. “Now I know the vaccine protects children. I don’t want my daughter to get sick or […]
“I Have No Regret at All” – Wike Defends Naming Abuja Conference Centre After Tinubu
Wike Stands by Decision to Name Conference Centre After Tinubu Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike , has defended the renaming of the Abuja International Conference Centre after President Bola Tinubu . He made the remarks in Abuja on Friday , during the inauguration of the completed 15-kilometre left-hand service carriage way of OSEX Stage II , from Ring Road I to Wassa Junction . The decision to rename the facility as the Tinubu International Conference Centre sparked criticism from some members of the public. Others questioned the N39 billion spent on its renovation, calling it a misplaced priority . “I Have No Regret at All,” Says Wike In response to the backlash, Wike said: “I have done it, and I have no regret at all.” He asked why some people were criticising the naming of the […]
Peter Obi Calls for National Emergency Over Benue Killings
Obi Demands National Emergency Over Benue Violence Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has condemned the recent wave of killings in Benue State . More than 200 lives were reportedly lost in a single attack, with many victims being women, children, soldiers, and displaced persons. In a statement released on Sunday, Obi said the tragedy has become too frequent in Nigerian life , and called for a national emergency to address the situation. He described the attacks as not just violence, but a failure of leadership and a moral stain on the country’s conscience. “Every life lost is a Nigerian life—each one precious, each one irreplaceable.” Government Must Act, Not Just React Obi questioned the ability of the government at all levels to protect citizens when such large-scale loss of life continues unchecked. “The primary duty of any government […]
Iran-Bound Businessman Nabbed at Port Harcourt Airport for Ingesting 53 Cocaine Wraps
Cocaine Found in Swallowed Wraps A 44-year-old man, Ezemokwe Chukwuebuka Christian , was arrested at Port Harcourt International Airport on 7 June . He was trying to board a Qatar Airways flight to Tehran , Iran, when he was stopped by NDLEA officers . A body scan showed signs of drug ingestion. He later excreted 53 wraps of cocaine in six batches. The total weight was 1.172 kilograms . The arrest was announced in a statement by Femi Babafemi of the NDLEA . Ezemokwe admitted to trafficking drugs for two years. He said he had made several trips between West Africa and Iran . Recent Trend Seen in Iran-Bound Flights Less than two weeks earlier, another man, Chinedu Leonard Okigbo, 60 , was caught at Kano International Airport with 65 pellets of cocaine in his stomach while trying to fly […]
Related
Élections Municipales au Togo : La Cour Suprême Valide 494 Listes, 26 Rejetées
Alors que les élections municipales approchent à grands pas au Togo, la Cour suprême, en sa qualité de juridiction électorale, a rendu son verdict suite à l'examen des dossiers de candidatures : 494 listes ont été validées contre 26 listes rejetées pour non-conformité aux exigences légales. 📋 Les Raisons des Rejets Les motifs des rejets sont diversifiés, mais relèvent principalement : De l’irrégularité dans la composition des listes (nombre insuffisant ou excessif de candidats) Du caractère dupliqué des numéros de cartes d’électeurs De l’incompatibilité liée à l’âge ou à certaines fonctions occupées Et du non-paiement du cautionnement électoral 🏛️ Des Partis de Tous Bords Concernés Le processus n’a épargné ni la majorité présidentielle, ni l’opposition. À Tone 1 (région des Savanes), les listes de l’UNIR et de l’ADDI ont été invalidées. Dans la Kozah, l’ANC a vu ses listes rejetées […]
Retour des Pèlerins : Une Organisation Exemplaire Saluée par les Fidèles Togolais
Cette année, 2 425 Togolais ont accompli le Hajj, le pèlerinage sacré à La Mecque, qui s’est officiellement achevé le 9 juin 2025. Le retour au pays a débuté ce week-end avec l’arrivée d’un premier groupe de 349 pèlerins. ✈️ Accueil Officiel à l’Aéroport de Lomé Les pèlerins ont été accueillis à l’aéroport international de Lomé par le ministre de la Sécurité et de la Protection Civile, Calixte Madjoulba, accompagné de plusieurs responsables administratifs et religieux. Cet accueil chaleureux témoigne de l’importance spirituelle et nationale de cet événement. 🕌 Des Conditions de Voyage Louées Les pèlerins ont unanimement salué les excellentes conditions d’organisation du voyage, fruit d’une préparation rigoureuse, inclusive et bien coordonnée. Ce succès logistique renforce la confiance envers les autorités religieuses et gouvernementales impliquées dans la planification. 📅 D'autres Retours Prévus Le retour des autres groupes est prévu […]
Conformité en Afrique : Un Levier Stratégique pour la Compétitivité et le Développement
Lomé, la capitale togolaise, s’apprête à accueillir un événement majeur les 8 et 9 juillet : la deuxième réunion des responsables de conformité et de gestion des risques en Afrique. L’annonce a été relayée par Nouvelle Opinion ce lundi, soulignant l’importance croissante de la conformité sur le continent. 📌 Pourquoi la Conformité est-elle Cruciale ? La conformité désigne l’ensemble des règles, lois, normes et bonnes pratiques que les organisations doivent respecter pour fonctionner de manière légale, éthique et transparente. Dans un environnement mondial de plus en plus réglementé, elle ne se limite plus à une simple obligation administrative. ✅ Un Outil de Croissance et de Compétitivité Aujourd’hui, la conformité devient un véritable levier stratégique. Elle permet : D’attirer les investisseurs grâce à une gouvernance saine De renforcer la crédibilité des institutions publiques et privées De limiter les risques juridiques et […]
Fête des Pères au Togo : Une Journée de Tendresse et de Reconnaissance
Hommage National aux Héros du Quotidien Ce dimanche, le Togo célèbre avec chaleur la Fête des Pères, rendant hommage à : 👨👧👦 Pères de famille👴 Grands-pères🛡 Tuteurs et figures paternelles Ambiance Festive à Travers le Pays ✏️ Poèmes et dessins d'enfants🍛 Repas familiaux partagés🎶 Chansons dédiées aux pères dans les salons et marchés Le Père Togolais : Un Pilier Silencieux Rôle Essentiel ✔ Protecteur discret mais constant✔ Pourvoyeur de l'éducation des enfants✔ Transmetteur des valeurs de travail et de dignité "Merci pour vos sacrifices, votre patience et vos conseils parfois stricts mais toujours bienveillants", murmurent des milliers d'enfants à travers le pays. Faure Gnassingbé Salue les Pères Togolais Le Président du Conseil a adressé un message de félicitations à tous les pères, soulignant leur contribution essentielle à la société togolaise. 💬 Et Vous ?Comment avez-vous célébré votre père aujourd'hui ? Quel est votre plus beau souvenir avec lui ? Partagez votre hommage en […]
Les Évêques Togolais Entre Prêche et Engagement Politique : Jusqu’où Doivent-ils Aller ?
Une Prise de Position Forte qui Fait Débat Lors de leur 139ème session ordinaire, les évêques togolais ont une nouvelle fois commenté la situation sociopolitique du pays, mêlant : ✝ Messages spirituels traditionnels🗣 Prises de position militantes sur l'actualité Déclarations Clés de la CET ✔ "Nous condamnons fermement toutes les formes de violence"✔ "Dénonciation de la culture du mensonge et de la désinformation" Une Frontière Floue Entre Spiritualité et Politique Pour Certains Observateurs : ⚠ Risque de dérive vers un rôle d'opposition politique⚠ Instrumentalisation possible des messages religieux⚠ Nécessité de recentrage sur la mission spirituelle Pour les Défenseurs de cette Position : ✅ Devoir moral d'interpellation✅ Rôle historique de l'Église comme conscience nationale✅ Légitimité à parler des enjeux de société Analyse : Quelle Place pour l'Église dans le Débat Public ? Arguments Pour 🔹 Tradition d'engagement social de l'Église catholique🔹 Besoin de voix indépendantes dans l'espace public Arguments Contre 🔸 Risque de politisation excessive🔸 Possible perte de crédibilité spirituelle […]
DJ Abass Set to Bring Authentic Nigerian Flavors to London with My Tasty Naija Food Festival
From YouTube Sensation to Real-Life Festival The popular YouTube series My Tasty Naija is stepping off the screen and into real life with its first-ever food festival in London . Set for Sunday, July 13, 2025 , at the Chingford Rugby Club , this event will celebrate Nigerian and African cuisine like never before. What began as a digital journey through Nigerian food culture in January 2024 has grown into a full-blown cultural movement. Created by British-Nigerian media entrepreneur and DJ, Abass Tijani (DJ Abass) , the show quickly became a go-to platform for lovers of Nigerian food across the UK and beyond. A Culinary Journey Across Continents Since its launch, My Tasty Naija has taken viewers on a flavorful adventure — from the best suya spots in Peckham to top jollof rice makers in Wembley . One standout episode […]
Be the first to leave a comment