By Kelvin Obambon
Civil society organizations and tobacco control advocates have gathered for a two-day capacity-building workshop aimed at addressing the evolving strategies of the tobacco industry and strengthening public health advocacy in Nigeria.
Organized by the Nigeria Tobacco Control Alliance (NTCA), the program was held under the theme, “Advancing Interference, Advancing Policy: The Future of Tobacco Control.”
For many attendees, the event served as a crucial platform to examine the rapidly shifting tobacco control landscape. Across the two days, discussions focused heavily on the Proposed Tobacco Control Act Amendment Bill, novel industry tactics, and the rising prevalence of new and emerging tobacco products designed to appeal to younger demographics.
READ ALSO: ASUU-UNIZIK suspends strike
Participants highlighted a troubling reality: modern products are increasingly designed to appear attractive and harmless, finding their way into the hands of young people across the country.
“The challenge is no longer only about the tobacco products many people already know,” noted the organizers during the sessions. “It is also about understanding the new products, new messages, and new tactics being used to create another generation of consumers.”
The workshop provided a collaborative space for advocates to challenge existing approaches, share ground-level experiences, and strategize around robust policy responses. Attendees stressed that to effectively protect public health, anti-tobacco advocacy must evolve just as quickly as the commercial strategies used to market these products.
“The tobacco industry is changing, and tobacco control efforts must change with it,” participants emphasized during the reflection sessions.
The workshop concluded with a commitment among civil society groups to maintain heightened vigilance, strengthen collective advocacy networks, and continue pushing for legislative measures that prioritize public health over commercial interests.
