Lagos, June 1, 2026 — The Nigerian Heart Foundation (NHF) has called on the Federal Government to intensify tobacco control policies in order to address the growing risk of nicotine addiction, particularly among young people in the country.
The organisation warned that children and adolescents are increasingly being targeted through aggressive marketing of new and emerging nicotine products, urging stronger protective measures.
This appeal was made during a press briefing in Lagos to mark the 2026 World No Tobacco Day, organised by the NHF in partnership with the United Nations Association of Nigeria at its Ikoyi secretariat.
The theme of this year’s commemoration is “Unmasking the Appeal: Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction.”
Speaking at the event, Prof. Olukemi Odukoya, Chairman of Tobacco Control at NHF—whose remarks were delivered by Communication Advisor Abiola Awe—said the tobacco industry continues to repackage its products to attract a younger audience.
She noted that despite years of tobacco control efforts, companies are introducing products such as e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches and synthetic nicotine devices, often presented as modern or safer alternatives.
According to her, these innovations are designed to sustain addiction while drawing in new users, a trend she said could reverse gains made in public health.
Odukoya also raised concern over the increasing use of shisha in Nigeria, despite provisions of the National Tobacco Control Act of 2015 that restrict smoking in public spaces.
She added that weak enforcement has created loopholes in areas such as taxation, packaging standards and health warnings for tobacco-related products.
Citing global data, she warned that millions of adolescents are already using tobacco and nicotine products, including e-cigarettes, with youth in some countries significantly more likely than adults to vape.
She stressed that the goal of the awareness campaign is to expose industry tactics and push for stronger regulations, including restrictions on flavouring, advertising and product designs that appeal to younger audiences.
The NHF also urged stricter enforcement of existing tobacco laws and called for collaboration with the entertainment industry, including film producers, to reduce the portrayal of smoking in media content.
Odukoya commended the media for its continued role in promoting public health awareness and supporting tobacco control advocacy, reaffirming the foundation’s commitment to reducing cardiovascular risk factors nationwide.
Also speaking, President of the United Nations Association of Nigeria, Oluremi Olutimo, called for stronger enforcement of regulations, increased public education and parental involvement in preventing nicotine use among young people.
He noted that tobacco and nicotine products are often deliberately designed to attract users but said early education and awareness could help prevent addiction.
Olutimo urged parents and guardians to engage children in conversations about the dangers of nicotine use while supporting smoke-free environments in schools and communities.
The Nigerian Heart Foundation, a non-governmental organisation affiliated with the World Heart Federation, has long been involved in advocacy efforts for cardiovascular health and was among key groups that supported the enactment of the National Tobacco Control Act in 2015.
The event ended with renewed calls for stronger national action to protect children and adolescents from the growing influence of tobacco and nicotine products.