By Esther Onyegbula

As the world marks World Vape Day 2025, the Global Director for Research and thought leadership at Global Health Focus has called on the Nigerian government to urgently adopt evidence-based tobacco harm reduction (THR) strategies to combat the country’s persistently high smoking rates.

The annual observance, which unites scientists, former smokers, and public health champions globally, aims to raise awareness about the benefits of safer nicotine alternatives, such as vaping, over traditional combustible cigarettes. This year’s theme underscores the need for African nations, especially Nigeria, to act decisively in the face of mounting evidence that THR can save lives.

“Nigeria stands at a public health crossroads,” said Yusuff Adebisi Adebayo, a public health advocate. “Global data is clear: countries that embrace vaping and similar alternatives are seeing dramatic declines in smoking rates. Nigeria must not be left behind.”

Multiple studies, including landmark reviews by Public Health England and the Royal College of Physicians, affirm that vaping is at least 95% less harmful than smoking. Unlike cigarettes, e-cigarettes deliver nicotine without combustion, a critical distinction, given that the harmful effects of smoking stem largely from the burning of tobacco.

Despite this, Nigeria remains one of many African nations without a comprehensive national policy on vaping. Experts warn that this regulatory void may be costing lives. “A smoker in Nigeria today has limited support to quit, and even fewer access points to safer alternatives,” said Adebayo, a THR advocate with the Africa Tobacco-Free Initiative. “We need to educate, regulate, and empower, not criminalize, those trying to quit.”

In Sweden, smoking rates have fallen below 5%, making it the first country on the verge of achieving “smoke-free” status. This success is largely attributed to the widespread use of low-risk nicotine products like snus and e-cigarettes. Similarly, the United Kingdom’s progressive approach to vaping, including public health campaigns like “Stoptober”, has reduced smoking rates to 11.9%.

“The evidence is undeniable. Countries that provide access to safer nicotine products see faster declines in cigarette use,” said Adebayo, a public health policy expert at the University of Ibadan. “Nigeria must learn from these successes instead of repeating the failures of prohibitionist models.”

Traditional anti-tobacco measures such as taxation, advertising bans, and cessation counselling remain in place across Nigeria. However, recent studies show that a majority of smokers have no intention to quit, and cessation support is scarce, especially in rural areas.

THR advocates argue that an abstinence-only strategy, often favored by international health agencies, is out of touch with the lived realities of millions of African smokers.

“THR isn’t about promoting nicotine,” said Akinyele. “It’s about giving people real-world tools to reduce harm. Every Nigerian deserves that choice.”

Advocates are now urging the Nigerian government to enact a three-pronged THR strategy.

Establish clear national standards for product safety, age verification, and quality control.

Roll out awareness programs, similar to the UK’s “Stoptober”, highlighting the comparative benefits of vaping.

Partner with countries like Sweden, the UK, and New Zealand to develop Africa-contextual policies and leverage regional cooperation through the African Union.

Beyond statistics, the movement is about saving lives.

“I’ve tried quitting cold turkey more times than I can count,” said Musa Abdullahi, a 35-year-old smoker in Lagos. “When I switched to vaping, it felt like I finally had control again.”

Advocates say stories like Musa’s should inspire urgency in government action.

As World Vape Day 2025 draws attention to the successes of THR worldwide, Nigeria faces a critical choice: continue with outdated policies or embrace innovation that could save millions.

“We are not asking Nigeria to reinvent the wheel,” said Adebayo. “We are asking Nigeria to follow the evidence.”