Nigeria has the opportunity to save thousands of lives by adopting tobacco harm reduction strategies that promote safer alternatives to traditional cigarettes. A new report titled “Lives Saved Report: Nigeria & Kenya” highlights how countries that embrace these alternatives have dramatically reduced tobacco-related deaths and illnesses.
Harm Reduction Offers a New Path for Smokers
Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) focuses on helping smokers switch from combustible tobacco to less harmful nicotine products such as nicotine pouches, heated tobacco, and e-cigarettes. Unlike cigarettes, these products eliminate the combustion process, which releases most of the harmful toxins that cause deadly health complications.
According to Yussuff Adebayo, Global Director for Research and Thought Leadership at Global Health Focus, traditional tobacco control methods have not been enough. “Taxation, advertising bans, and public smoking restrictions have helped, but they don’t reach smokers who simply can’t quit,” he explained. “THR gives us another tool—one rooted in science—to help adult smokers transition away from cigarettes.”
Current Measures Fall Short for Many Smokers
Although smoking rates in Nigeria have declined in recent years, tobacco use remains prevalent in several regions. Many smokers continue to struggle with quitting, even under current regulations. The report argues that Nigeria’s existing policies fail to support those who need safer options rather than complete abstinence.
One major barrier to progress is the limited awareness of THR among Nigerian health officials and lawmakers. Most still rely exclusively on the World Health Organization’s MPOWER framework, which focuses on restricting tobacco use but does not prioritize harm reduction. As a result, many policymakers have yet to recognize the potential of non-combustible nicotine products.
Meanwhile, public awareness remains alarmingly low. Many Nigerians either do not know about safer alternatives or mistakenly believe these products are just as harmful as cigarettes. Fear-driven campaigns have fueled these misconceptions, creating confusion instead of clarity.
Global Success Stories Prove It Works
The report points to several countries that have successfully adopted THR strategies. The United Kingdom, for example, actively promotes vaping as a safer alternative to smoking. Sweden has achieved one of the lowest smoking rates in Europe by encouraging the use of snus—a smokeless tobacco product. New Zealand has also made progress by integrating e-cigarettes into its national tobacco control strategy.
Sweden’s results are particularly impressive. The country is on track to become the world’s first “smoke-free” nation, defined as having less than 5% of the population still smoking. Experts attribute this success largely to the widespread use of non-combustible nicotine products.
THR Could Ease the Burden on Nigeria’s Healthcare System
In addition to the public health benefits, the report emphasizes the potential economic gains. Tobacco-related illnesses place a heavy financial burden on Nigeria’s healthcare system, causing unnecessary hospital admissions and long-term treatment costs. By promoting harm reduction, Nigeria could reduce these expenses significantly while improving public health outcomes.
To achieve this, the report calls for a risk-based regulatory framework that distinguishes between combustible and non-combustible nicotine products. It recommends that Nigeria invest in scientific research, expand public education, and incorporate harm reduction into national health policies. These steps would ensure that smokers receive accurate information and safer options to help them quit.
Private Groups Begin to Push for Change
While the Nigerian government has yet to formally adopt THR policies, private health organizations and advocacy groups have started laying the groundwork. Several institutions have begun organizing workshops to educate the public and healthcare professionals about the benefits of harm reduction.
“Progress is slow, but we’re gaining ground,” Adebayo noted. “We must keep pushing for policies that follow science, not stigma.”
Nigeria Must Act Now
The report concludes with a powerful message: Nigeria stands at a turning point. With decisive leadership and smart regulation, the country could dramatically reduce the health and economic toll of smoking. Harm reduction offers a compassionate, evidence-based solution that meets smokers where they are—offering them realistic and life-saving alternatives.
“With bold leadership and smart policy, Nigeria can chart a new path toward a smoke-free future—one built on compassion, science, and common sense,” the report asserts.
Public health experts now urge the Nigerian government to embrace this opportunity. By shifting from punitive approaches to supportive solutions, Nigeria can protect millions of lives and build a healthier, smoke-free future.
