•  
  •  
 

Abstract

The need to regulate tobacco usage became internationalized in 1970 following the adoption of a resolution by the World Health Assembly calling on member states to take action in view of its damaging effects. Arising from this, two periods are discernible in the fight against the use of tobacco. The first period is from 1970 to 1995 that was characterized by weak laws which were inconsequential. The second period is from 1996 to date that was marked by multilateral cooperation and effective action at the global level. A glaring manifestation during of the second period is the adoption of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), which has the potential to significantly advance national and international efforts to curb the use of tobacco. This article explores these changing patterns within the context of the Nigerian State. It argues that the progress in tobacco control in Nigeria since the adoption of FCTC has been marred by weak human and institutional capacity in legislation, economics and advocacy, and lack of political will. Although it took Nigeria ten years to domesticate the treaty, only a comprehensive legal framework like the Tobacco Control Act can address the issue of tobacco smoking in Nigeria. There are difficult regulatory and governance challenges ahead but with a sustained political will, adequate resources, and strong institutions, Nigeria will overcome the entirely man-made public health problem.

Download

Share

COinS