A civic society group, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, CISLAC, has stated that Kano and Jigawa States came tops on the list of States smoking tobacco in Nigeria.
This was disclosed by the senior Programme Officer of CISLAC, Solomon Adoga. He stated this at a one-day multi-stakeholders’ engagement on tobacco taxation in Jigawa State, organized by CISLAC. The event was organized in conjunction with Tax Justice Network.
Adoga stated that the aim of the workshop was to reduce the level of tobacco usage in the State. He pointed that the youth are the most culprits.
“It’s unfortunate that research shows that Kano and Jigawa are top on the list of States using tobacco in Nigeria. Where the majority of users are youths, some within the minor age.”
“To control tobacco usage, the State Government must be proactive. It must adopt and domesticate the National Tobacco Control Act (2015) and Tobacco Tax Policy. This will help to save the lives of our youth who are the future leaders.”
Adoga explained the purpose of engaging and interacting with relevant stakeholders. Like the traditional and religious leaders, youth groups, civil society organizations and the media was to help in creating awareness on the dangers of tobacco. As well as to advocate to both the legislature and the executive to domesticate and adopt the laws.
source: Daily Post
