By Ojoma Akor
The Nigeria Tobacco Control Alliance (NTCA) has called for stronger actions to protect Nigerian youths from the rising influence of tobacco and nicotine products, as the world marks World No Tobacco Day 2026 with the theme “Unmasking the appeal – countering nicotine and tobacco addiction.”
A statement from NTCA, signed by its Communications Officer, Emmanuel Onwuka, said the theme highlights how the tobacco industry marketing strategies exploit the aspirations, emotions, and fears of young people.
It said today, Nigerian youths are constantly exposed to images of smoking, shisha, and vaping across music videos, fashion trends, and social media platforms, often featuring appealing flavors and attractive branding.
NTCA warns that behind this glamorous facade lies a harsh reality of addiction, disease, and suffering within our communities.
Recent studies reveal alarming trends among Nigerian adolescents. Nearly one in five schoolchildren aged 13 to 15 has tried at least one tobacco product, while about one in ten are currently smoking.
These figures remain deeply concerning, especially after years of public health education and awareness campaigns. They suggest that tobacco industry tactics are still influencing young people, and the weak enforcement of Nigeria’s 2015 Tobacco Control Act continues to leave adolescents vulnerable to subtle forms of promotion and recruitment.
The economic burden of tobacco use in Nigeria is also significant. Global health analysis estimates that tobacco-related illnesses cost the country over ₦211 billion annually in healthcare expenditure and lost productivity. These resources could otherwise support food security, improve educational systems, and strengthen healthcare infrastructure across the country.
The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study says almost 30,000 deaths in Nigeria in 2021 were directly attributable to diseases caused by tobacco use. Tobacco use also worsens the burden of non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer.
According to NTCA, each of these deaths represents not only a personal tragedy for families but also a major setback for national productivity and development. Many households are further pushed into financial strain as income is diverted to the treatment of cancer, heart disease, and lung-related conditions. At the same time, affected individuals are often unable to work due to illness.
Exposure to secondhand smoke also poses serious health risks, increasing the likelihood of illness among children and pregnant women, who are particularly vulnerable to its harmful effects.
“In response to this growing public health threat, NTCA calls on parents, stakeholders, lawmakers, and young people to unite in collective action. There is a need to unmask the appeal of tobacco products, demand accountability from industry actors, and ensure that Nigeria’s next generation grows up free from nicotine addiction and commercial exploitation. Nigeria must also fully implement its commitments under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. Although the country has ratified the treaty, stronger political commitment is required to translate these obligations into measurable and effective action,” NTCA said in the statement.
NTCA further emphasized the need to strengthen the enforcement of the National Tobacco Control Act. This includes closing existing loopholes in the 2015 Act and its 2019 regulations, and ensuring a complete prohibition on all forms of tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship. Such enforcement must extend to digital platforms, social media, and entertainment channels where young people are increasingly targeted.
It said World No Tobacco Day 2026 should be a renewed call to urgency for Nigeria. While the tobacco industry continues to promote appealing images to protect its profits, the reality remains clear. Tobacco has no place in a healthy, productive, and prosperous future for the nation. Immediate action is required to safeguard young people, protect the economy, and improve society’s overall well-being.
