The Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS) has called for the strict implementation and enforcement of the National Tobacco Control Act 2015 to curb rising tobacco use and nicotine addiction in the country, especially among young people.
In a statement marking the 2026 World No Tobacco Day, NCS President, Prof. Abidemi Omonisi, expressed concern over the growing popularity of emerging nicotine and tobacco products, warning that the trend poses serious public health risks. He said tobacco companies continue to deploy deceptive tactics such as flavored products, attractive packaging, social media promotions, digital marketing, and misleading advertising to attract new users.
Omonisi noted that tobacco use remains one of the leading preventable causes of cancer and premature deaths worldwide, contributing significantly to non-communicable diseases including lung, oral, throat, cervical, pancreatic, bladder, and liver cancers, as well as cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses.
He urged the Federal Government, policymakers, healthcare institutions, civil society groups, educators, parents, and the media to intensify tobacco control efforts through stronger regulation, public awareness campaigns, protection of youths from industry influence, and expanded smoking cessation and addiction recovery services. He also advocated higher taxation of tobacco products and greater investment in cancer prevention and public health programmes.
The NCS president reaffirmed support for the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, describing tobacco prevention as one of the most cost-effective ways of reducing the burden of cancer and other chronic diseases in Nigeria.
Omonisi also highlighted the society’s Youth Coalition Against Cancer initiative, which trains young Nigerians to serve as peer advocates promoting healthy lifestyles and discouraging tobacco use. He called on Nigerians, particularly young people, to reject tobacco and nicotine addiction, stressing that collective action is essential to building a healthier and cancer-free society.