By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre CISLAC has sounded a strong warning on the dire health consequences of tobacco use, emphasising its links to various life-threatening diseases.
The Senior Programme Officer of CISLAC, Mr Solomon Adoga, stated this at training workshop for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) on tobacco taxation and gender mainstreaming on Wednesday in Bauchi
Organised by CISLAC with support from Tax Justice Network-Africa (TJNA.)
Adoga highlighted tobacco as a major risk factor for numerous cancers, particularly lung cancer, as well as cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, pancreas, stomach, and cervix.
“Tobacco use significantly contributes to the burden of cancer in Nigeria. Beyond that, it also increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and respiratory conditions such as emphysema, and bronchitis,” the expert noted.
He further warned that tobacco affects reproductive health by impairing fertility in both men and women and increasing risks during pregnancy and childbirth.
In his remarks, the Executive Director of CISLAC, Auwal Rafsanjani, represented by the Senior Finance Officer, Muhammed Murtala, called on stakeholders to strengthen advocacy efforts.
He urged for a united front to reduce tobacco consumption and prevent the rising deaths associated with cancer and other tobacco-related illnesses in the country.
He stressed the urgent need for public health interventions, policy reforms, and increased awareness campaigns to curb the tobacco epidemic in Nigeria.
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