Tobacco smoking in Niger

In Niger, smoking is legally allowed but there are some restrictions in place. Under these regulations, cigarettes sales are legal. Purchasing them online is permitted, but not through vending machines. Also, importing cigarettes for trade is allowed with an appropriate license. However, health warnings on cigarette packaging are required, the minimum legal age for purchasing tobacco products is 18 years, and there are legal restrictions on smoking in public places such as healthcare and educational facilities. Furthermore, tobacco advertising is regulated and there are bans on all forms of advertising. A total taxation rate of 36.03% with no excise tax is applied on cigarettes in Niger.

Tobacco smoking continues to be a significant public health issue in Niger. The adult current smoking prevalence among individuals aged 15 years and older was reported to be 6.1% in 2024. The current smoking prevalence was notably higher among males, with 11.6%, compared to 0.5% among females that year. The total number of current smokers in Niger was estimated to be approximately 857,000 in the same year. In comparison, in 2020, the adult current smoking prevalence was slightly lower (6.3%). The adult daily smoking prevalence in 2021 was recorded to be 4.7%, with a higher prevalence among males (8.7%) compared to 0.1% among females.

In terms of mortality, the annual number of deaths attributable to tobacco smoking was 2,250 in 2021, accounting for 1.09% of all deaths in the country. Smoking-related deaths were higher among males, accounting for 1.46% of all male deaths, compared to 0.66% of female deaths. These statistics underscore the ongoing challenge of tobacco smoking in Niger and highlight the need for effective public health interventions to reduce tobacco smoking rates and its associated health risks.