CAPPA wants stronger enforcement as nicotine products flood Nigerian market

Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has called on the Federal Government and relevant regulatory agencies to strengthen measures aimed at curbing the growing appeal of nicotine and tobacco products, particularly among young Nigerians.

The organisation made the appeal during a press conference in Lagos to mark the 2026 World No Tobacco Day, themed “Unmasking the Appeal: Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction”.

CAPPA warned that tobacco companies were increasingly shifting from traditional cigarettes to newer products such as electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco products and nicotine pouches, which it said were being marketed in ways that appeal to younger consumers.

Speaking at the event, CAPPA Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, said the tobacco industry had merely changed its tactics while maintaining its goal of profiting from addiction.

“For decades, the tobacco industry sold cigarettes, cigars and other tobacco products by disguising addiction as sophistication, freedom, success and modernity,” he said.

“Today, as public awareness of the dangers of smoking grows, the industry and its allies have changed their tactics. They have changed their language, changed their products, changed their smells, and changed their packaging.”

According to him, products such as nicotine pouches, disposable vapes and heated tobacco products are being promoted as innovative and less harmful alternatives, despite concerns about their addictive nature and potential health effects.

CAPPA disclosed that its recent report, New Smoke Trap: New and Emerging Nicotine and Tobacco Products, Youth Exposure and Policy Gaps in Nigeria, documented 781 nicotine and tobacco-related products across Lagos, Enugu and the Federal Capital Territory, with 573 classified as new and emerging nicotine products.

Assistant Executive Director of CAPPA, Zikora Ibeh, who presented the organisation’s World No Tobacco Day statement, said Nigeria was already facing an expanding nicotine challenge.

She noted that many of the products were designed to be attractive, discreet and easily accessible to young people.

“These products are brightly coloured, compact, fragrant, sweet, discreet, and technologically attractive,” she said.

“Many resemble cosmetics, flash drives, pens, toys, or small electronic gadgets, allowing them to move through schools, homes, cars, malls, and social spaces without attracting the same suspicion that cigarettes would ordinarily provoke.”

The organisation also expressed concern over the growing popularity of flavoured nicotine products, arguing that flavours such as mango, strawberry, bubble gum, mint and vanilla often serve as gateways to addiction among young users.

While acknowledging Nigeria’s decision to include vapes and nicotine pouches within its excise tax regime, CAPPA maintained that taxation alone would not be sufficient to address the problem.

It called for stricter regulation of advertising, youth-focused packaging, flavoured nicotine products and sales to minors, as well as stronger enforcement of existing tobacco control laws.

The group further warned against what it described as the increasing glamourisation of tobacco use in cultural and social settings.

It cited the widespread circulation of images showing cigar smoking at events such as the Ojude Oba Festival, arguing that such portrayals could encourage young people to associate tobacco use with prestige and success.

“Young people are unlikely to see its health risks first. Instead, they will see aspiration,” Ibeh said.

“They will see nicotine wrapped in agbada, horses, colour, and applause.”

CAPPA also criticised the promotion of what it described as “World Vape Day”, saying the campaign was not recognised by the World Health Organisation or any credible international health body.

Oluwafemi described it as “a fraudulent marketing hoax” designed to improve the tobacco industry’s image and attract new consumers.

The organisation urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the National Broadcasting Commission and other relevant agencies to intensify enforcement efforts.

It also called for increased funding for tobacco control initiatives, including public education, research, monitoring and enforcement programmes.

CAPPA maintained that decisive action was needed to prevent a new generation of Nigerians from becoming addicted to nicotine products.

“The appeal of these products is carefully designed. Countering that appeal will require equally deliberate action,” Ibeh said. “Nigeria must act now to protect present and future generations from nicotine addiction and the harms associated with tobacco use.”