CISLAC URGES STRONGER TOBACCO TAX TO SAVE LIVES, BOOST REVENUE
By: Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has urged the Federal Government to raise tobacco taxes to curb rising consumption and increase revenue.
Speaking in Abuja, CISLAC’s Executive Director, Auwal Rafsanjani, warned that tobacco, especially shisha is becoming popular among youths and women, with severe health risks such as cancer and mental imbalance. He said higher excise taxes would make tobacco less affordable, protect young people, and support public health financing.
Experts, including Prof. Corne Van Walbeek from the University of Cape Town and John Thomi of Tax Justice Network Africa, also called for higher tobacco taxes, with Van Walbeek recommending a 150% increase. They stressed that Nigeria must go beyond ECOWAS minimum rates to safeguard health and fund essential services.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Finance confirmed plans to review excisable goods, with a new framework expected by 2026.