As the global community marks World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) on May 31, the World Health Organization (WHO) is emphasizing the urgent need to shield young people from the manipulative practices of tobacco firms. This year’s theme underscores the dangers of tobacco use among youth, with the WHO reporting that developing countries bear 75% of global tobacco-related deaths.
Despite a decline in cigarette smoking thanks to robust tobacco control efforts, the WHO reveals that around 37 million young individuals aged 13–15 globally are currently using some form of tobacco. In Nigeria, the situation is particularly alarming, with Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) reporting that approximately five million young Nigerians aged 15 to 25 are already addicted, posing serious risks to their health.
In response to the growing crisis, CAPPA is collaborating with stakeholders in Nigeria’s entertainment industry and the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to tackle the promotion and glamourization of tobacco in movies, music videos, and skits. This initiative, led by NFVCB Executive Director Dr. Shaibu Hussieni, aims to foster a Smoke-Free Nollywood by regulating smoking portrayals in media, a move not fully addressed in existing legislation.
Tobacco, containing the highly addictive alkaloid nicotine, is primarily consumed through smoking cigarettes, cigars, and pipes, or using snuff. It is a leading risk factor for numerous severe health issues, particularly affecting the heart, liver, and lungs. Research indicates that the majority of tobacco users begin during adolescence, leading to long-term dependence and contributing to more than eight million deaths annually worldwide. This number could rise to 10 million by 2030 without effective control measures, especially in low- and middle-income countries experiencing a shift from tobacco production to increased consumption.
The recent surge in e-cigarettes and other novel tobacco products poses a significant new threat to youth, potentially undermining decades of anti-tobacco efforts. Studies show that e-cigarette use can triple the chance of smoking conventional cigarettes among non-smoking youth.
The tobacco industry’s tactics continue to evolve, as highlighted by a recent report from WHO and STOP, a global tobacco industry watchdog. This report accuses the tobacco sector of designing products and marketing strategies specifically to hook young consumers, thereby ensuring a future customer base.
Observations across various Nigerian locales, including Lagos, reveal that minors easily access cigarettes from roadside vendors. Moreover, clubs across the country are enticing young people with flavored nicotine products, falsely portraying them as harmless and increasing the risk of future tobacco-related illnesses.
On the legislative front, CAPPA Executive Director Oluwafemi Akinbode stresses that while Nigeria has made some strides with the National Tobacco Control Act 2015 and the National Tobacco Regulation Act 2019, enforcement remains lax, allowing minors easy access to tobacco products. He is advocating for the government to enforce existing laws rigorously and to significantly increase taxes on tobacco products to deter consumption.
This year’s WNTD theme, ‘Protecting children from tobacco industry interference,’ is a call to action for governments worldwide to strengthen regulations and protect future generations from the dangers of tobacco addiction.
