A civil society group, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), has criticised Nigeria's 2026 Fiscal Policy Measures, calling the revised tobacco tax framework ineffective for public health protection. The policy, set to take effect April 1, 2026, introduces a three-year tobacco tax structure maintaining a 30% ad-valorem excise duty with only N1.00 annual specific tax increases. CISLAC's Executive Director, Auwal Ibrahim Musa Rafsanjani, said the incremental rise fails to match inflation, currently above 15%, making tobacco products more affordable over time. The group noted the tax adjustment does not align with Nigeria's commitments under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. It also pointed out that Nigeria's specific excise tax remains far below the ECOWAS benchmark of about 0.40 USD per pack of cigarettes. CISLAC warned that weak taxation undermines efforts to reduce tobacco consumption and increases long-term health risks. The organisation urged the federal government to revise the tax to meet regional standards and protect public health.
CISLAC highlights a disconnect between Nigeria's tobacco tax policy and its public health obligations, given the N1.00 annual increase amid over 15% inflation. The minimal tax adjustment makes cigarettes more affordable, potentially increasing consumption among Nigerian youth and low-income groups. This weak framework may deepen health disparities and raise future treatment costs for tobacco-related diseases. The policy also puts Nigeria at odds with ECOWAS standards it has committed to uphold.
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