Study of Tobacco Control Policy Awareness and Compliance Among Vendors in Onitsha, Anambra State

Enforcement of tobacco control policies including point-of-sale display bans and restrictions on sales to minors requires vendor knowledge and compliance that are often inadequately monitored in Nigerian markets. This study assessed tobacco control policy awareness and compliance among cigarette vendors in Onitsha Main Market and Upper Iweka area, Anambra State, South East Nigeria. A cross-sectional census survey was conducted among 120 registered tobacco product vendors. A structured questionnaire assessed awareness of the National Tobacco Control Act provisions, health warning compliance, sales to underage buyers, and proximity-to-school display restriction knowledge. Physical inspection of vendor stalls assessed actual compliance with packaging and display regulations. Results showed that awareness of the National Tobacco Control Act was limited to 43.3 percent of vendors. Correct knowledge of the minimum legal age for tobacco sales was demonstrated by only 38.3 percent. During mystery shopper exercises conducted by trained research assistants, sales to apparent underage buyers occurred in 61.7 percent of test encounters. Health warning label compliance on stocked products was 72.5 percent, primarily because international brand packaging already complied. Proximity-to-school restriction was violated by 48.3 percent of vendors assessed within 300 metres of educational institutions. Vendor training exposure was associated with higher compliance scores (p < 0.001). The study recommends intensified vendor education and enforcement activities by Anambra State NAFDAC and Standard Organisation offices, with particular focus on underage sales prevention. Keywords: tobacco control, vendor compliance, Onitsha, Anambra State, tobacco policy