The Nigeria Tobacco Control Alliance (NTCA) has raised concerns over the growing influence of tobacco and nicotine products on Nigerian youths, calling for stronger enforcement of tobacco control laws to protect the country’s next generation.

In a statement issued to mark World No Tobacco Day 2026, the alliance said this year’s theme, “Unmasking the appeal: Countering nicotine and tobacco addiction,” highlights how tobacco companies use marketing strategies that exploit the aspirations, emotions and fears of young people.

The group noted that Nigerian youths are increasingly exposed to images of smoking, shisha and vaping through music videos, fashion trends and social media platforms, where attractive flavours and branding often make tobacco products appear appealing.

According to NTCA, recent studies show that nearly one in five schoolchildren aged between 13 and 15 years has tried at least one tobacco product, while about one in 10 currently smokes.

It described the figures as worrying despite years of public health campaigns, arguing that weak enforcement of the National Tobacco Control Act 2015 has continued to expose adolescents to subtle forms of tobacco promotion and recruitment.

The alliance also highlighted the economic consequences of tobacco use, estimating that tobacco-related illnesses cost Nigeria more than N211 billion annually through healthcare expenditure and lost productivity.

Citing data from the Global Burden of Disease Study, NTCA said almost 30,000 deaths recorded in Nigeria in 2021 were directly linked to diseases caused by tobacco use.

It added that tobacco consumption contributes significantly to the burden of non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer.

According to the alliance, the impact extends beyond health concerns, as many families are pushed into financial hardship by the cost of treating tobacco-related illnesses, while exposure to second-hand smoke increases health risks for children and pregnant women.

The group called on parents, lawmakers, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to unite in protecting young people from nicotine addiction and the influence of the tobacco industry.

It also urged the Federal Government to fully implement its commitments under international tobacco control agreements and enforce restrictions on all forms of tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship, particularly on digital platforms and social media.

NTCA maintained that World No Tobacco Day should serve as a renewed call to action, stressing that urgent measures are needed to safeguard Nigerian youths, protect public health and reduce the social and economic burden of tobacco use.