New report says Nigeria could save thousands of lives through tobacco harm reduction

Nigeria could save thousands of lives by adopting tobacco harm reduction strategies that offer smokers safer alternatives to traditional cigarettes, according to a new report.

The “Lives Saved Report: Nigeria & Kenya” argues that countries embracing harm reduction approaches — providing smokers access to less harmful nicotine products — have achieved significant reductions in tobacco-related deaths and illnesses.

Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) is a public health strategy that encourages smokers to switch from combustible tobacco products to alternatives such as nicotine pouches, heated tobacco products, and e-cigarettes. These products eliminate the combustion process responsible for releasing most toxicants found in traditional cigarettes.

“Traditional tobacco control efforts like taxation, advertising bans, and public smoking restrictions have been useful, but they fall short in addressing the fact that many smokers simply can’t quit,” said Yussuff Adebayo, Global Director for Research and Thought Leadership at Global Health Focus. “Tobacco Harm Reduction gives us another tool to help adult smokers transition away from deadly cigarettes.”

Despite Nigeria’s declining smoking rates, pockets of tobacco use persist throughout the country. The report suggests current tobacco control measures, while valuable, are insufficient for smokers who struggle to quit entirely.

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A major obstacle to THR adoption in Nigeria is limited understanding among policymakers and health authorities. Many continue to rely exclusively on the World Health Organisation’s MPOWER framework, which critics argue fails to prioritise harm reduction strategies.

Public awareness also remains low. Many Nigerians are either unaware of or misinformed about safer nicotine alternatives, with fear-based campaigns often portraying these products as equally or more harmful than traditional cigarettes.

The report highlights successful international examples, including the United Kingdom, Sweden, and New Zealand, which have embraced THR policies and witnessed dramatic reductions in smoking prevalence and tobacco-related illness. Sweden is on track to become the world’s first “smoke-free” country, largely due to widespread adoption of non-combustible nicotine products.

Beyond public health benefits, the report emphasises THR’s potential economic impact. Tobacco-related illnesses place a significant burden on Nigeria’s healthcare system, and harm reduction strategies could provide cost-effective interventions that reduce preventable hospital admissions and long-term treatment costs.

The report recommends that Nigeria develop a risk-proportionate regulatory framework distinguishing between combustible cigarettes and non-combustible nicotine alternatives. It also calls for increased research investment, policy integration, and public education efforts to combat misinformation.

While the Nigerian government has not formally adopted THR policies, some private health institutions and advocacy groups have begun organising workshops to introduce THR concepts to the public.

“Progress is slow, but there is momentum,” Adebayo said. “We need to keep pushing for reforms based on science, not stigma.”

The report concludes that 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.”