Stakeholders in Bauchi State have renewed calls for tougher tobacco control measures, with emphasis on effective taxation, to shield citizens from the dangers of smoking and second-hand smoke.

The demand was made during a training workshop on smoke-free policy implementation, organized by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)

Speaking at the workshop, Solomon Adoga, representing CISLAC, described tobacco control as a pressing public health priority, reminding participants that Article 8 of the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) obliges governments to protect citizens from exposure to tobacco smoke.

“Several countries have enforced smoke-free environments, but Nigeria is still lagging behind. Despite the National Tobacco Control Act (2015), weak enforcement means millions of Nigerians remain at risk from both direct and second-hand smoking,” Adoga said.

He noted that the Act provides for a National Tobacco Control Committee and other frameworks, but poor implementation undermines its effectiveness.

DAILYPOST reports that participants including civil society groups, NGOs, and media representatives—expressed concern about the growing health and social burden of tobacco use, stressing that smoke also endangers non-smokers in homes, workplaces, and public spaces.

They urged the Bauchi State Government to domesticate the national law by creating state-specific legislation and policies, while fostering inter-agency collaboration to ensure enforcement.

CISLAC also underscored the role of taxation in reducing consumption while providing sustainable government revenue.

“Tobacco taxation is a win-win: it discourages smoking, protects public health, and generates funds that can support healthcare and other critical services,” Adoga stated.

Bauchi stakeholders demand stronger tobacco control, push for higher taxes