CISLAC has reiterated that its push for increased taxation on tobacco products is aimed at reducing tobacco-related health risks and supporting public health financing in Nigeria.
Executive Director of CISLAC and Head of , Auwal Rafsanjani, made the clarification while speaking on the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Personality Interview Series on Sunday in Abuja.
Rafsanjani said the core objective of the advocacy was to save lives and lessen the growing health burden linked to tobacco consumption in the country.
According to him, tobacco use remains a major contributor to severe health conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases and other life-threatening illnesses. He noted that the risks are particularly concerning in Nigeria, where healthcare funding is limited and often inadequate to manage the rising cases of tobacco-related ailments.
He explained that increasing tariffs on tobacco products would serve a dual purpose: discouraging consumption and creating an additional revenue stream for government to address associated health challenges.
While acknowledging that the financial returns from higher tobacco taxes might not be substantial, Rafsanjani stressed that the broader public health benefits far outweigh the revenue considerations.
“The percentage might not be that much, but at least it is something the government can derive from tobacco consumption to address some of the damages it causes in Nigeria.
“It is not just about how much money is generated; it is about saving lives and preventing Nigerians from developing avoidable health complications.
“If consumption continues to harm citizens’ health, any revenue earned should be used to mitigate that health crisis,” he said.
Rafsanjani further underscored the importance of protecting Nigerians from preventable diseases, urging that proceeds from tobacco taxation be specifically channelled into healthcare interventions aimed at managing and preventing tobacco-induced illnesses.
He maintained that reducing tobacco consumption remains a critical step toward curbing avoidable health crises and strengthening Nigeria’s public health response.
(NAN)
