The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, CISLAC, has said Kano and Jigawa states top the list of states smoking tobacco in Nigeria.
CISLAC senior programs officer, Solomon Adoga stated this at a one-day multi-stakeholders’ engagement on tobacco taxation in Jigawa State, organized by CISLAC, with support from Tax Justice Network
He said the aim was to reduce the level of tobacco usage in the state, especially among the youth.
According to him, “it’s unfortunate that research shows Kano/Jigawa are on top the list of states in use of tobacco in Nigeria, while the majority of users are youths, some within minor age.
“To control tobacco usage, the state government must adopt and domesticate National Tobacco Control Act (2015) and Tobacco Tax Policy to save the lives of our youth who are future leaders.”
He added that the purpose of engaging and interacting with relevant stakeholders like traditional and religious leaders, youth groups, civil society organisations and the media was to help in creating awareness on the dangers of tobacco, as well to advocate to both the legislature and the executive to domesticate and adopt the laws.
