The Bauchi State Government is working with the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) to adopt the National Tobacco Control Act. This initiative aims to address the health and environmental risks associated with tobacco consumption through a dedicated state framework. A recent stakeholders’ meeting brought together various government agencies to discuss the necessity of establishing local regulations for tobacco products.
During the event, CISLAC Executive Director Auwal Ibrahim Musa, also known as Rafsanjani, called on the state government to establish a robust legal system that limits easy access to tobacco. He emphasized that such measures are vital for safeguarding public health.
CISLAC technical officer Solomon Adogum presented data from the World Health Organization highlighting the scale of tobacco use in Nigeria. According to the data, over 7.5 million adults and 25,000 children in the country use tobacco daily. Adogum noted that tobacco is a significant factor in preventable deaths, linking it to lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and various respiratory issues. He further stressed the danger of secondhand smoke, which contributes to over a million premature deaths annually.
Representing the Commissioner for Housing and Environment, Permanent Secretary Alhaji Yamai Muhammad reaffirmed the administration’s dedication to the health and environmental well-being of its citizens. He stated that the government led by Bala Mohammed will support all efforts required to domesticate the tobacco control law within the state.
