In commemoration of Children’s Day 2025, parents across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have called on the Federal Government to urgently address the rising availability of flavoured tobacco and nicotine products, particularly those targeted at children.
They appealed in separate interviews on Tuesday in Abuja, aligning their concerns with the 2025 Children’s Day theme: “Enhancing the Total Wellbeing of Children Through Quality Education and Skill Development.” They argued that no meaningful development could take place if children were trapped in cycles of addiction from an early age.
Olamide Bello, a mother of three from Gwarinpa, said, “Our children cannot learn or thrive in school if they’re battling addiction. These flavoured vapes and tobacco products are undermining their health and future.” She expressed worry over how tobacco companies market candy, fruit and menthol-flavoured e-cigarettes using appealing packaging and social media influencers.
She urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, along with the Federal Competition & Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), to swiftly roll out enforceable guidelines banning the sale and promotion of such products to minors.
At Garki Market, Comfort Shamaki, a trader and mother of four, said she had seen minors purchasing flavoured nicotine products openly. “They smell like sweets and are sold next to snacks. It’s a deliberate trap,” she said.
In Asokoro, Chinyere Eze, a parent and school volunteer, said even 13-year-olds were using vapes, influenced by trends on TikTok and Instagram. She called for an immediate ban on the sale of flavoured tobacco and e-cigarettes to minors, along with smoke-free public spaces and restrictions on influencer marketing that targets youth.
Emeka Okoro, a father of two in Wuse Market, said he once confronted vendors selling to students but faced no consequences. “If we don’t act now, we’ll have a generation of addicts instead of skilled, educated leaders,” he warned.
He emphasised the need for stiff penalties, including heavy fines and criminal prosecution, for retailers selling to underage users. “Children’s Day must remind us of our duty to protect their total well-being,” he said.
Science Nigeria reports that parents and guardians are calling for coordinated efforts from the government, schools, and media to ensure children grow up in addiction-free environments that support quality education and development.
