The Nigerian Cancer Society has called for the strict implementation and enforcement of the National Tobacco Control Act 2015 to curb rising tobacco use and nicotine addiction.

The president, Abidemi Omonisi, made the call in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja to commemorate the 2026 World No Tobacco Day. He also advocated stronger regulation of emerging nicotine and tobacco products, warning that the increasing popularity of such products among young people poses serious public health concerns.

According to him, the tobacco and nicotine industry continues to deploy deceptive strategies, including flavoured products, misleading advertising, social media promotions, and emerging nicotine devices to attract new users.

“The tobacco industry continues to design new ways of targeting young people through attractive packaging, flavoured nicotine products, digital marketing, and misinformation,” he said.

Mr Omonisi said stakeholders must expose such tactics and strengthen efforts toward prevention, regulation, public awareness, and cessation support to protect Nigerians from nicotine addiction.

He expressed concern over the growing exposure of young people to tobacco and nicotine products often presented as modern, harmless, or socially appealing in spite of established health risks.

According to him, nicotine addiction contributes significantly to the burden of non-communicable diseases, including cancers, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory illnesses, and mental health disorders.

He noted that tobacco use remains one of the leading preventable causes of cancer and premature deaths globally, citing scientific evidence linking tobacco consumption to multiple cancers.

The NCS president listed lung, oral, throat, cervical, pancreatic, bladder, and liver cancers among diseases strongly associated with tobacco use and nicotine dependence.

Mr Omonisi called on the federal government, policymakers, healthcare institutions, civil society organisations, educators, community leaders, parents, and the media to intensify tobacco control efforts nationwide.

He advocated increased public education and awareness campaigns, protection of children and youths from tobacco industry interference, and expansion of smoking cessation and addiction recovery services.

He also urged greater investment in cancer prevention programmes and public health promotion initiatives, alongside higher taxation of tobacco products to discourage consumption.

The NCS president reiterated the society’s support for the World Health Organisation’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and other evidence-based measures to reduce tobacco use.

According to him, preventing tobacco use remains one of the most effective and cost-efficient strategies for reducing the burden of cancer and other non-communicable diseases in Nigeria.

Mr Omonisi said the society recently established the Youth Coalition Against Cancer (YOCAC), a platform designed to promote healthy lifestyles and positive behavioural choices among young Nigerians.

He explained that coalition members are trained and encouraged to serve as peer influencers, promoting healthy behaviours and discouraging tobacco use among fellow youths.

As Nigeria commemorates the 2026 World No Tobacco Day, Mr Omonisi urged Nigerians, particularly young people, to reject tobacco and nicotine addiction and embrace healthier lifestyles.

“The fight against tobacco-related diseases requires collective responsibility and sustained commitment from all sectors of society. Together, we can build a healthier and cancer-free Nigeria,” he said.

(NAN)