**Should We Allow Tobacconists to Exist in Nigeria?** As the sale of illicit cigarettes continues to soar in Nigeria and around the world, a senior government official has raised a provocative question: should tobacconists even exist? This inquiry has sparked a debate on whether the sale of cigarettes should be limited to supermarkets and other types of retail outlets, rather than standalone tobacconists. According to a report, the Assistant Minister for Customs in Australia, Julian Hill, has questioned the need for small tobacconists, which have become hotspots for criminal activity and have even been targeted by vandals. In his view, these stores are no longer relevant, especially when compared to the number of petrol stations that cater to the majority of motorists. In Nigeria, where the sale of illicit cigarettes is a significant concern, the debate is particularly relevant. Our country has a large number of tobacconists and cigarette vendors, many of whom operate in unregulated markets. These vendors often sell cigarettes at a lower price than authorized retailers, which can make them attractive to consumers who are not aware of the risks associated with buying from illicit sources. However, the sale of illicit cigarettes is a serious issue in Nigeria, with organized crime groups often involved in the trade. According to estimates, the illicit cigarette market in Nigeria is worth billions of naira annually, and the revenue generated from this trade is often used to fund other illicit activities. In light of this, Julian Hill's suggestion that tobacconists should be shut down and cigarettes sold only in supermarkets and other types of retail outlets is worth considering. This approach could help to reduce the sale of illicit cigarettes and make it more difficult for organized crime groups to operate in the market. However, it is also worth noting that some tobacconists may be legitimate businesses that operate within the law and provide a service to consumers who want to buy cigarettes from a specialist retailer. Any decision to shut down tobacconists would need to be carefully considered and would likely require a nuanced approach that takes into account the needs of both consumers and legitimate businesses.