Abuja, Nigeria — The federal government has been advised to adopt a more balanced, science-driven approach to tobacco control, drawing lessons from the contrasting experiences of New Zealand and South Africa.
The call was made by global health advocate, Yusuff Adebayo Adebisi, in response to a recent policy analysis titled “A Tale of Two Nations”. Adebisi highlighted New Zealand’s success in harm reduction strategies as a model worth emulating, while warning against South Africa’s restrictive policies, which he argued have fueled illicit trade and failed to significantly reduce smoking rates.
“New Zealand’s model shows that when harm reduction is taken seriously and backed by science, the results can be transformative,” Adebisi stated. “South Africa, on the other hand, illustrates how prohibitionist policies can backfire and expose more people to risk.”
According to Adebisi, New Zealand has implemented a globally respected harm reduction framework that combines robust public education with access to safer nicotine alternatives, including e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and heated tobacco products. He cited campaigns like “Vape to Quit Strong” as instrumental in guiding smokers toward less harmful options.
“These products are not without risk,” he acknowledged, “but they are significantly less harmful than combustible cigarettes—a critical distinction when lives are at stake.”
Backing his claims with evidence from Public Health England, Adebisi pointed out that vaping is estimated to be about 95% less harmful than traditional smoking. He also noted that New Zealand’s strategy includes reduced taxes on safer products and consumer education—contributing to its goal of becoming smoke-free by 2025.
In contrast, Adebisi criticized South Africa’s approach, particularly its temporary tobacco ban during the COVID-19 pandemic, which he said led to a surge in black market activity and counterfeit products. “Instead of reducing smoking, the ban drove consumers to unregulated sources,” he explained. “It became harder to monitor consumption and easier for harmful products to circulate.”
With South Africa still recording a smoking rate of approximately 20% among adults and no viable harm reduction policies in place, Adebisi warned that Nigeria must chart a different course.
“Current tobacco control efforts in Nigeria—mainly taxation and public warnings—are important but insufficient,” he emphasized. “We need a smarter approach that includes regulated access to reduced-risk products and evidence-based public education.”
Adebisi called for the legal recognition and regulation of safer nicotine products, stressing the need for balanced oversight—not outright bans or unregulated markets. He also urged a shift in taxation strategy, proposing that tax policies reflect the relative harm of nicotine products to incentivize smokers to switch to safer alternatives.
He further underlined the role of public education, noting that many Nigerians remain unaware of the relative safety of alternatives. “Without accurate, science-based information, people remain in the dark—and that’s dangerous,” he said.
Emphasizing the need for real-time monitoring and evaluation, Adebisi advocated for policies that are adaptable and informed by ongoing data. He also linked Nigeria’s growing illicit tobacco trade to overly restrictive policies and called for regulated harm reduction strategies as a means to curb illegal sales.
“Legalizing and regulating safer nicotine products will bring them under public health oversight and reduce the black market’s grip,” he concluded. “It’s a win-win for public safety and national revenue.”
By Makinde oyinkansola| June 5, 2025
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