By Abdullahi Alhassan Kaduna
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has sounded a strong warning on the dire health consequences of tobacco use, emphasizing its links to various life-threatening diseases. At a training workshop for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) on tobacco taxation and gender mainstreaming in Bauchi, CISLAC's Senior Programme Officer, Mr. Solomon Adoga, highlighted the significant risks associated with tobacco consumption.
"Tobacco use significantly contributes to the burden of cancer in Nigeria," Adoga stated. "Beyond that, it also increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and respiratory conditions such as emphysema and bronchitis." Adoga further warned that tobacco affects reproductive health by impairing fertility in both men and women and increasing risks during pregnancy and childbirth.
Adoga's concerns were echoed by the Executive Director of CISLAC, Auwal Rafsanjani, who was represented by the Senior Finance Officer, Muhammed Murtala. Rafsanjani called on stakeholders to strengthen advocacy efforts, urging a united front to reduce tobacco consumption and prevent the rising deaths associated with cancer and other tobacco-related illnesses in the country.
"The urgent need for public health interventions, policy reforms, and increased awareness campaigns to curb the tobacco epidemic in Nigeria cannot be overstated," Rafsanjani stressed. CISLAC's efforts aim to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco use and push for policy changes that promote a healthier society.
The training workshop, organized by CISLAC with support from Tax Justice Network-Africa (TJNA), underscores the need for collective action against tobacco use. As the health burden of tobacco continues to grow, stakeholders are urged to work together to mitigate its impact and promote a healthier future for Nigerians.
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Health