The Coalition Against the Promotion of Tobacco Products (CAPPA) is calling on the Nigerian government to raise excise taxes on tobacco products to 100%, arguing that this bold move could be a major public health win.
Nigeria currently loses about ₦526 billion (approximately $347 million) each year to healthcare and lost productivity related to tobacco-induced illnesses. By doubling the excise rate, CAPPA says the government could reclaim those costs, while also potentially preventing thousands of annual deaths, currently estimated at nearly 30,000.
The advocacy group also highlighted growing concerns around youth-targeted marketing of cigarettes, vaping products, and e-cigarettes. CAPPA emphasized that Nigeria’s existing proposal to increase tobacco taxes by 50% is long overdue and insufficient when compared to more effective, policy-backed actions being implemented across Africa.
What’s at Stake:
Public Health: Higher taxes could reduce consumption, particularly among price-sensitive youth.
Revenue Generation: Funds generated could be redirected to health initiatives like anti-smoking campaigns or treatment programs.
Policy Alignment: Many African nations already adopt higher tobacco taxes; Nigeria risks falling behind in the fight against tobacco-related disease.
CAPPA’s appeals are expected to gain traction amid rising healthcare costs and growing awareness of tobacco’s long-term impact. The group urges swift legislative movement to enact the proposed tax hike.
