Abuja, June 1, 2026 — The Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS) has urged the Federal Government to ensure full enforcement of the National Tobacco Control Act 2015 as part of efforts to reduce rising tobacco consumption and nicotine addiction in the country.
The appeal was made in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by the President of the Society, Prof. Abidemi Omonisi, in commemoration of the 2026 World No Tobacco Day.
The global observance, marked on May 31, had the theme: “Unmasking the Appeal: Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction.”
Omonisi also called for tighter regulation of new and emerging nicotine-based products, warning that their growing popularity among young people poses serious public health risks.
He alleged that the tobacco industry continues to employ manipulative marketing strategies, including flavoured products, targeted advertising, social media campaigns, and the promotion of new nicotine delivery devices to attract first-time users.
According to him, such tactics are deliberately designed to appeal to younger audiences, making tobacco products appear modern and less harmful than they truly are.
He stressed the need for stronger public awareness, preventive measures, regulatory action, and accessible cessation support to reduce nicotine dependence across the country.
Omonisi expressed concern over the increasing exposure of young people to tobacco and nicotine products, which are often portrayed as socially acceptable despite their well-documented health dangers.
He noted that nicotine addiction significantly contributes to non-communicable diseases such as cancers, cardiovascular conditions, chronic respiratory illnesses, and mental health challenges.
The NCS president further stated that tobacco use remains one of the leading preventable causes of cancer and premature death worldwide, citing its established link to multiple forms of cancer.
He listed cancers of the lung, mouth, throat, cervix, pancreas, bladder, and liver as some of the diseases strongly associated with tobacco use and nicotine dependence.
Omonisi called on government agencies, policymakers, health institutions, civil society organisations, educators, community leaders, parents, and the media to strengthen tobacco control measures nationwide.
He recommended increased public enlightenment campaigns, protection of young people from tobacco industry influence, expansion of cessation programmes, and greater investment in cancer prevention initiatives.
He also advocated higher taxation on tobacco products as a deterrent to consumption.
Reaffirming the Society’s commitment to global tobacco control efforts, Omonisi said the organisation continues to support the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and other evidence-based interventions aimed at reducing tobacco use.
He added that prevention remains the most cost-effective strategy for reducing the burden of cancer and related diseases in Nigeria.
Omonisi disclosed that the Society has launched the Youth Coalition Against Cancer (YOCAC), an initiative aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles among young Nigerians and discouraging substance use.
According to him, members of the coalition are trained to serve as peer educators, encouraging positive behavioural change among their peers.
He urged Nigerians, especially young people, to reject tobacco use and embrace healthier lifestyle choices.
He concluded that sustained collective action across all sectors of society is essential to achieving a healthier, cancer-free nation.