Mothers demand actions on vapes, e-cigarettes over effects on teenagers

Over 300 concerned Nigerians, especially mothers have signed a petition demanding urgent government action to address the alarming rise in e-cigarette and flavoured vape abuse among teenagers in Nigeria. The petition, titled ‘Keep vapes away from Nigerian kids’, is part of a World No Tobacco Day 2025 campaign aimed at drawing attention to the health […]

Over 300 concerned Nigerians, especially mothers have signed a petition demanding urgent government action to address the alarming rise in e-cigarette and flavoured vape abuse among teenagers in Nigeria.

The petition, titled ‘Keep vapes away from Nigerian kids’, is part of a World No Tobacco Day 2025 campaign aimed at drawing attention to the health risks of vapes and flavored tobacco products, and the need for stronger laws to protect Nigerian children from accessing them.

At a media briefing held by members of the Voices for Tobacco, a community of concerned Nigerian tobacco control advocates, attention was drawn to the rising popularity of e-cigarettes, particularly among Nigerian children.

They said that flavoured nicotine products, brightly packaged and sold in flavors like strawberry, mint and mango, are being marketed to appeal to the youths.

They also said that despite their seemingly sweet flavours and sleek designs, vapes and heated tobacco products are not safe.

Kenneth Kenas Anetor of the Voices for Tobacco Control, said that studies have shown that the products expose users to harmful chemicals like nicotine and formaldehyde, increasing the risks of lung and heart disease.

“The growing availability of e-cigarettes and flavored tobacco products, in addition to traditional cigarettes, has sparked concern among parents. Research indicates that five million Nigerian youth are addicted to smoking, with 25,000 youth smoking each day. This includes children as young as 10 to 14 years old,” he said.

Also during the briefing, Nimat Labaika, President FOWMAN Kwara State Chapter said, “Tobacco companies want to remain in business and they are doing everything to remain in business, including selling tobacco products to children. For us not to lose our future leaders, we have to collectively lend our voices and call on FCCPC to introduce guidelines to stop the sale to children.”

Other women also noted the absence of comprehensive legislation in Nigeria regulating the sale and marketing of e-cigarettes and flavoured tobacco.

They said that without urgent action, the public health crisis among young people is set to deepen.

They said that as a matter concerning the protection of children and consumer protection, the

Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) must issue clear guidelines that can inform regulations restricting vape and e-cigarette sales to minors, or be reprimanded for not doing its job.

Another parent said, “I believe that the FCCPC should be sanctioned to do their jobs to protect our children and enforce regulations against tobacco companies.”

The campaign raises red flags over the increasing accessibility of vapes, e-cigarettes, shisha and other flavoured tobacco products among Nigerian youth.

Another speaker stressed an earlier investigation revealed the ease with which under-aged youth buy tobacco products, which are restricted by law to people aged 18 and above.

The forum among others urged the Nigerian government to restrict the sale of e-cigarettes, vapes and flavored tobacco products to minors, regulate the marketing and distribution of flavoured tobacco and vape products; and enforce stricter penalties for those selling to underage users.