NTCA raises the alarm as 20% of Nigerian teens experiment with tobacco

The Nigeria Tobacco Control Alliance (NTCA) has expressed concern over the growing rate of tobacco use among adolescents, revealing that nearly one in five Nigerian students aged 13 to 15 have experimented with tobacco products.

In a statement issued in Abuja to mark the 2026 World No Tobacco Day, themed “Unmasking the Appeal – Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction,” the alliance warned that tobacco companies are still successfully targeting young people despite years of public health campaigns.

According to NTCA, exposure to smoking, shisha and vaping is increasing among youths, driven largely by their portrayal in music videos, fashion trends and social media. These products are often presented with appealing flavours and branding, masking the serious risks of addiction and long-term health complications.

The group also noted that about one in 10 adolescents are currently active smokers, describing the trend as alarming and a sign that existing tobacco control measures are not being effectively enforced.

NTCA blamed the situation on persistent marketing tactics by the tobacco industry and weak implementation of Nigeria’s Tobacco Control Act of 2015. It stressed that these gaps continue to leave young people vulnerable to subtle advertising and recruitment strategies.

Highlighting the economic impact, the alliance said tobacco-related illnesses cost Nigeria over ₦211 billion annually in healthcare expenses and lost productivity. It added that nearly 30,000 deaths recorded in 2021 were linked to tobacco use, citing data from the Global Burden of Disease study.

The organisation further warned that tobacco contributes significantly to non-communicable diseases such as heart conditions, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer, placing additional strain on families and the healthcare system. It also raised concerns about the dangers of secondhand smoke, especially for children and pregnant women.

NTCA called on the Federal Government to strengthen enforcement of tobacco control laws, close regulatory loopholes and implement a total ban on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship across all platforms, including digital media.

It urged parents, policymakers and communities to work together to protect young Nigerians from nicotine addiction and reduce the long-term public health and economic burden.

Meanwhile, the founder of Women Strengthening Women (WSW), Mercy David-Adejo, has cautioned teenagers in the Federal Capital Territory against experimenting with illicit drugs, warning that even a single attempt could lead to addiction.

Speaking at an awareness event in Abuja titled “One Puff, One Pill, One Mistake: The Hidden Dangers of Illicit Drugs on Teenagers,” she said peer pressure, curiosity and the desire to fit in often push young people toward drug use.

David-Adejo warned that substance abuse can damage the developing brain, affect academic performance and lead to poor decision-making, risky behaviour and mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression.

She called on parents, teachers and community leaders to intensify efforts through open communication, mentorship and sustained awareness campaigns, while also creating safe spaces where teenagers can access accurate information and support.