News
Tobacco Control Act: CAPPA calls for digital marketing regulations
Mariam Sanni
A Civil Society Organization, CSO , known as Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa( CAPPA), has called for explicit provisions to regulate digital marketing comprehensively.
The Senior Programme Manager, Policy and Research, CAPPA , Zikora Ibeh while briefing pressmen in a media briefing held in Abuja, explained that there should be penalties for platform and third – party vendors facilitating the promotion or sale of new and emerging tobacco products online .
She noted that the organization acknowledges the recent efforts to review the National Tobbaco Control Act, 2015.
Ibeh maintained that any review must uphold the protection of public health, strengthen regulatory oversight, and decisively close the gaps that allow the tobacco industry to continue exploiting vulnerable populations in Nigeria .
It could be recalled a public hearing was held last week at the House of Representatives to discuss two proposed Bills aimed at amending the National Tobacco Control Act(NTCA) 2015, titled “House Bill(HB) 47 and HB 1151.
According to her, HB 1151, which seeks to impose stiffer penalties for violations of smoking regulations, suffers from a fundamental flaw in misrepresenting the titles of the Principal Act and the referenced Sections for amendments.
She added that the HB 47, which aims to cure certain defects in the NTCA 2015, ensure its effective implementation, as well as address the lacuna that May exploited by the tobacco industry in Nigeria .
She stated the CSO have recommended its intent but highlighted some gaps and areas that requires strengthening.
“ The increase influence of digital platforms in promoting emerging products poses a high threat to public health, particularly as these channels such as Instragram, Twitter and Facebook, amongst another’s, often bypass traditional restrictions and target minors.
“ CAPPA calls for explicit provisions to regulate digital marketing comprehensively , with penalties for platforms and third-party vendors facilitating the promotion of sale of new and emerging tobacco products online.
“We urged the Nigerian Government and public health authorities to rigorously enforce Section 18 of the National Tobacco Control Act, ensuring that all interactions with the tobacco industry are transparent and strictly regulatory,” she stated.
Ibeh charged the federal government to strengthen the role of the ministry of health and social welfare as the leading body to coordinate Tobacco Control Efforts and Maintaining Oversight.
Furthermore, the Executive Director of CAPPA, Akinbode Oluwafemi, in his welcome address at the press briefing stressed the need to reinforce Nigeria’s tobacco control framework cannot be overstated.
He noted that young Nigerians are increasingly being initiated into consuming these emerging tobacco and nicotine products disguised as modern and trendy altern
Politics
Hon. Gloria Sarauniya Usman Elected as State Secretary of the Social Democratic Party, FCT
Joel Ajayi
A prominent grassroots mobilizer and seasoned politician, Hon. Gloria Sarauniya Usman, has been elected as the State Secretary of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Her emergence was confirmed during the party’s State Congress held on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at the SDP National Secretariat in Abuja.
The congress, which was peaceful and well-attended by delegates from across the FCT, marked a significant turning point for the party’s leadership. Several key officials were elected into various strategic roles, with Hon. Gloria’s victory standing out as a reflection of the party’s growing emphasis on inclusive leadership and grassroots empowerment.
Gloria Sarauniya is widely respected within political circles for her unwavering commitment to party ideals and her dedication to community development. Before joining the SDP, she served as Deputy National Contact and Mobilization Secretary of the PDP Professional and Business Group (PDPPBG), where she championed professional engagement and grassroots outreach.
Her election as State Secretary is being celebrated across the party as a boost to internal coordination and strategic planning. Known for her humility, administrative acumen, and passion for social inclusion, Gloria has consistently played pivotal roles in mobilizing support for the party across the six area councils of the FCT.
Speaking with JOWBBLOG, party stakeholders described her as “an astute politician, a tireless organizer, and a voice for women and youth in the political space.” One delegate remarked: “She deserves this position. Hon. Gloria Sarauniya has been a pillar in the party, always working behind the scenes to promote its values and strengthen its foundation—even when it wasn’t politically convenient.”
Her leadership as State Secretary is expected to usher in a new era of efficiency, inclusivity, and robust mobilization efforts, positioning the SDP for greater electoral success in the FCT.
With Hon. Gloria Sarauniya Usman now occupying one of the most strategic roles in the state chapter, party observers believe the SDP is better equipped to consolidate its grassroots presence and expand its influence in upcoming elections.
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