In a significant move towards mitigating the harmful effects of tobacco consumption, the Gombe State Ministry of Trade and Industry has pledged to increase registration fees for tobacco producers and retailers, as well as impose additional taxes.
This development comes after a successful advocacy visit to the ministry on Thursday by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), a non-governmental organisation dedicated to controlling tobacco use.
According to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Babayo Hassan Abubakar, the state government is committed to controlling tobacco use, particularly in the wake of the establishment of a new industrial park.
He revealed that the ministry had not previously imposed registration fees on tobacco retailers, but would now ensure that all outlets are listed and licensed.
The Permanent Secretary noted that the state governor was already committed to fighting social vices and had demolished brothels and gala night houses as part of this effort.
The Senior Programme Manager of CISLAC, Mr Solomon Adoga, commended the ministry for its willingness to take action on tobacco control.
He emphasized the need for higher taxes on tobacco products to make them less accessible, especially to young people.
Adoga also urged the state government to domesticate the federal tobacco control law, citing examples of states like Lagos and Ekiti that have successfully implemented similar laws.
The advocacy visit also included a meeting with the Ministry of Justice, where the Solicitor General requested that the Ministries of Trade and Industry and Health propose a law on tobacco control. “The law would then be developed and sent to the governor for submission to the state assembly for passage into law.”
In his submission, the national executive director of CISLAC Auwal Rafsanjani represented by a senior officer of the centre Mohammed Murtala opined that the law is a significant step forward in the fight against tobacco use in Gombe State.
According to him, with stricter regulations and higher taxes on the horizon, tobacco users in Gombe State can expect a significant increase in the cost of their habit, while the state government generates additional revenue and promotes public health.
