Top Stories from Nigeria
2.9% of the adult population are current smokers
There are approximately 3.4 million current smokers in Nigeria
5.4% of men are current smokers but only 0.4% of women
Country profile
Data sourced:
2025.
Page updated:
2025-05-02
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.
15,926
Deaths
15926 people in Nigeria die from tobacco smoking-related diseases each year.
2.9%
tobacco smoking
Adult tobacco smoking prevalence is 2.9%.
Nicotine Vaping Devices
in Nigeria
In Nigeria, sources like Global Tobacco Control indicate that no specific regulations exist for e-cigarettes and vaping. However, Tobacco Control Laws reports that e-cigarettes are allowed, there are no age restrictions, and people can use e-cigarettes in indoor public places, workplaces, and public transport.
Additionally, vapes are available for sale in the country. A scoping review by Adegbile OE found that the prevalence of e-cigarette use in Nigeria is 11.8%.
If you have more insights on vaping regulations in Nigeria, please email the GSTHR team.
Heated Tobacco Products
in Nigeria
Nigeria is one of the countries where Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs) are legally allowed. According to these regulations, it is legal to sell, use, and purchase HTPs online. However, the rules regarding the importation of HTPs for personal use remain unclear. Additionally, there are no restrictions on the range of available flavours. There are, however, some regulatory requirements to consider: health claims are prohibited, health warnings must appear on packaging, and the excise tax rate for HTPs is 10% of the tax levied on cigarettes.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy
in Nigeria
You can buy NRT in Pharmacy.
Snus
in Nigeria
Nigeria maintains an overall positive regulatory stance on Snus, permitting its sale and use. However, certain restrictions still apply: online sales are prohibited; manufacturers are required to include health warnings on packaging; and health claims are not allowed. Approved flavours include tobacco, mint, and menthol. Excise tax rates range from 10% to 50% of those applied to cigarettes.
Pouches
in Nigeria
In Nigeria, nicotine pouches are legal, including their sale, online purchase, and use. There are no restrictions on the range of their flavours. However, some restrictions still apply: health claims are not permitted, and the nicotine content is limited to less than 16.6 mg per pouch. The excise tax rate ranges from 10% to 50% of the tax levied on cigarettes.
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.