About

2.6% of the adult population are current smokers

There are approximately 2.9 million current smokers in Nigeria

5% of men are current smokers but only 0.3% of women

Quick links to detailed datasheets for Nigeria
Country profile
Data sourced: 2024.   Page updated: 2024-04-08

Smoking in Nigeria

There has been a downwards trend in current smoking prevalence in the general population in Nigeria. In 2000 the overall prevalence was estimated to be around 7.5%; this decreased to 6% by 2015, with a projection to decrease further to 5% by 2025. Men's smoking decreased from 13% to 11% between 2000 and 2015, and is projected to decrease further to 10% by 2025 according to WHO trend data. Women's smoking prevalence during the same period remained low, at 2% in 2000 down to 1% in 2015, and is projected to reduce further to under 1% by 2025. The WHO published prevalence trend estimates in tobacco smoking, as shown here, in their 2018 2nd edition report, which show slightly different smoking prevalence to the WHO country profiles. Data for the estimates are not age standardised, and were obtained from WHO databases. The trend lines are projections, not predictions, of future attainment. A projection indicates a likely endpoint if the country maintains its tobacco control efforts at the same level that it has implemented them to date. Therefore the impact of recent interventions could alter the expected endpoint shown in the projection. While the methods of estimation used in the first and second editions of the WHO report are the same, the volume of data available for the second edition is larger i.e. 200 more national surveys. The results presented are therefore more robust.

16,137

Deaths

16137 people in Nigeria die from tobacco smoking-related diseases each year.

Nicotine Vaping Devices

in Nigeria

The sale and use of e-cigarettes are allowed in Nigeria, and the President of the Nigerian Medical Association has spoken publicly in support of e-cigarettes as a safer alternative to smoking. The Tobacco Control laws in the country do not apply to e-cigarettes.

Heated Tobacco Products

in Nigeria

HTP is allowed. You can't advertise HTP in Nigeria.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy

in Nigeria

In Nigeria you don't need a prescription to purchase NRT. NRT is legal to market. NRT is available in Pharmacy.

Snus

in Nigeria

Snus is allowed.

Pouches

in Nigeria

Pouches are allowed.

The GSTHR database is updated regularly by our team. However, please be aware that the information we provide does not constitute legal advice. We cannot guarantee that the information is up to date or accurate, as the regulatory status of different product categories can change at short notice and with little publicity. If you wish to check the legal status of use or possession of any safer nicotine product in a specific country or region, you should verify the information independently. If you have reason to think that the information supplied on the GSTHR is inaccurate, please contact us with details and any references and we will rectify any errors.