The Standards Organisation of Nigeria has pledged to position the country as a global leader in the regulation of tobacco and related products.
In a statement released on Thursday, following a Technical Committee Meeting at its Abuja headquarters, SON highlighted its focus on regulating heated tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches.
The Director General and Chief Executive of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, emphasized the importance of aligning Nigeria’s regulatory framework with international standards to ensure product safety and public health.
Represented by the Director of Standards Development, Yahaya Bukar, Dr. Okeke opened the meeting by stressing the necessity of updating the Nigerian Industrial Standards for tobacco products.
According to him, these updates will not only enhance safety and quality but also mitigate health risks, positioning Nigeria as a frontrunner in the responsible oversight of such products.
Bukar commended the committee for its swift progress, noting their success in drafting nine complex standards in a short timeframe.
Okeke reinforced SON’s dedication to prioritizing public health through robust regulation, stating, “These efforts would position Nigeria as a leader in the responsible regulation of tobacco and similar products as well as bolster consumer confidence in the Nigerian market.”
Discussions at the meeting covered critical topics such as curbing the circulation of substandard products, increasing transparency, and establishing technical guidelines for manufacturers.
The session concluded with stakeholders expressing unanimous support for the adoption and implementation of the proposed standards.
The committee was chaired by Professor Adeleke C. Adebayo of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and comprised representatives from key organizations like British American Tobacco, Philip Morris International, and Japan Tobacco International.
Regulatory bodies, including NAFDAC, the Nigeria Customs Service, and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, were also in attendance.
This initiative reflects SON’s firm commitment to public health, consumer safety, and regulatory excellence as it adapts to the growing complexities of tobacco and nicotine product standards.
