On March 2, 2022, CAPPA in joint action with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), and National Tobacco Control Alliance (NTCA) conducted a surveillance exercise across strategic locations in Lagos State to evaluate the implementation of graphic health warnings on tobacco products. The action was in accordance with provisions of the National Tobacco Control Act, 2015 and the National Tobacco Control Regulation, 2019, which require all tobacco products imported, manufactured, or distributed in Nigeria to display graphic health warnings on 50 percent of the principal display area of the product’s packaging.[spacer height=”25px”]

The enforcement team visited Hubmart Akiyede, Ogba, and Jendor Supermarket, Abule Egba where they inspected tobacco products on sale for graphic health compliance. During the exercise, the monitoring group discovered that some cigarette packages lacked graphic health warnings. The contravening items were seized while the enforcement agents leveraged the exercise to educate and inform traders and managers of sales stores about Nigeria’s tobacco regulations, and graphic health warning graphics.[spacer height=”25px”]

The enforcement exercise concluded with a press briefing where members of the surveillance team addressed journalists on the purpose and significance of the activity.