Amid growing global attention to smoking and vaping regulations, now is the opportune moment to advance Nigeria’s smoke-free ambitions. Achieving this vision necessitates a collective consensus on an effective approach to creating sustained and lasting changes in consumer behavior—Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR).
THR represents a significant public health opportunity, offering a pathway for millions of smokers who might not otherwise quit to transition from combustible tobacco products to smokeless alternatives. Countries that have embraced THR and adopted supportive policies have witnessed remarkable reductions in smoking rates. The US, UK, and Japan are experiencing their lowest smoking rates on record, while Sweden is poised to declare itself smoke-free this year—defined as having fewer than 5% of daily smokers—16 years ahead of the EU’s 2040 target.
These transformations have been driven by widespread acceptance of THR among policymakers, regulators, health officials, and consumers, enabling smokers to migrate from cigarettes to vapour, oral nicotine pouches, snus, and heated tobacco products. However, the success of THR hinges on the widespread accessibility of these alternative products, a challenge currently faced by Nigeria due to limited access to such alternatives.
To fully realize the public health potential of THR, Nigerian regulators should embrace evidence-based science to drive positive health outcomes. This involves implementing a supportive regulatory framework that encourages adult smokers to switch to smokeless alternatives, while ensuring consumer safety and preventing underage access.
The success of THR in Nigeria also depends on correcting persistent misperceptions that these alternative products are more harmful than cigarettes. These flawed perceptions significantly impede public health efforts by discouraging smokers from switching to smokeless products.
Addressing these misperceptions requires greater effort—an area that BAT is actively tackling. As the world’s largest vapour company and a leader in smoking alternatives, BAT is committed to producing innovative products backed by robust science and stringent safety and quality standards. BAT’s THR approach is supported by extensive research demonstrating the reduced risk profile of these products compared to cigarettes, a position endorsed by numerous international public health bodies. BAT also publishes its scientific research to enhance understanding of THR and raise awareness among stakeholders.
While the industry plays a critical role in developing and producing these products, achieving the conditions necessary for THR success requires inclusive, open, and honest dialogue among all stakeholders, including policymakers, regulators, and the healthcare community. Unfortunately, the industry is often excluded from these discussions.
There is a unique opportunity to usher in a smokeless world grounded in scientific research and a firm commitment to public health. The solutions are available today. What is required is for relevant stakeholders to actively collaborate, prioritizing THR and the well-being of millions worldwide.
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