Nigeria Slaps $110m Fine on BATN, Reports Major Tobacco Control Gains at WHO COP11
Nigeria has imposed a landmark $110 million fine on British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN), marking one of the largest global enforcement actions against a tobacco company under national tobacco control laws.
Announcing the penalty on Monday at the 11th Session of the Conference of Parties (COP11) to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in Geneva, Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, said the action demonstrates that the tobacco industry must be held accountable for its practices.
“This represents one of the most significant applications of Article 19 globally and sends a strong message that the tobacco industry must bear responsibility for its actions,” Dr. Salako declared.
The Minister also highlighted fresh national data from the recently completed Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) 2025, showing a marked decline in daily tobacco use among adults compared to the first survey conducted in 2012.
“The percentage of current smokers who reported thoughts of quitting due to health warnings increased from 26.7% in 2012 to 43.3% in 2025,” he revealed, underscoring the effectiveness of graphic health warnings in changing behaviour. The survey also showed a significant reduction in exposure to second-hand smoke in homes and public spaces.
Dr. Salako announced that the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has issued new regulations banning tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship (TAPS) across Nigeria’s entertainment and creative industries, including films, TV, music videos, and digital media a major milestone for Nollywood, the world’s second-largest film industry by volume.
“This is a bold step to give practical effect to Article 13 of the WHO FCTC and prevent the normalization of tobacco use,” he said.
To accelerate implementation of the National Tobacco Control Act (2015) and Regulation (2019), Nigeria has rolled out several strategic initiatives, including the National Tobacco Control Strategic Plan of Action (2024–2028), the National Tobacco Control Communication Strategy (2024–2028), and the National Tobacco Control Enforcement Plan (2024–2028).
Under Article 19 of the WHO FCTC, Nigeria has also advanced legal and financial accountability for tobacco industry misconduct, setting a strong precedent for global enforcement.
Speaking on the COP11 theme, “Healthy planet, healthy future: uniting for a tobacco-free generation,” Dr. Salako hailed the 20th anniversary of the WHO FCTC as an opportunity for countries to recommit to tackling tobacco-related diseases and environmental harm.
While acknowledging ongoing challenges including weak subnational enforcement, emerging tobacco and nicotine products, and persistent industry interference he reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to full implementation of the WHO FCTC.
“Nigeria remains firmly committed to protecting our people from the harmful effects of tobacco. We will continue to welcome technical and financial support and global collaboration,” he said.
Delegates from across the globe are participating in COP11 in Geneva, deliberating strategies to safeguard future generations from the devastating impacts of tobacco.
