Group Seeks Increased Tax On Sugar-Sweetened Beverages

The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has called for an increase in tax on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSBs).

The Pan-African human rights organisation stated its position in a two-day training programme for journalists.

Speakers at the programme harped on the fact that sugary foods and drinks contribute in a great way to non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, cancer and diabetes.

They therefore called on the federal government to increase the excise tax on SSBs which they hoped would cause increases in their retail prices and consequently discourage consumption by Nigerians.

To curb the harmful effects of SSB consumption, the Nigerian government introduced an Excise Duty of N10 per litre on all carbonated SSBs through the 2021 Finance Act, implemented in June 2022.

Speaking, the executive director of CAPPA, Akinbode Oluwafemi lamented that over 11 million people are living with diabetes, adding that Nigeria is the fourth-largest soft drink consumer in the world.

The CAPPA boss said that N10 tax per litre introduced by the FG in the Finance Act of 2021 was not enough to discourage too much of consumption of sugary drinks by Nigerians, saying that this is less than the worldwide suggested 20 per cent rise in SSB tax.

He also expressed concern over Nigeria’s position as the fourth-largest consumer of soft drinks globally, warning that if this trend continues, the country could face a significant health crisis.

He noted “the high rates of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and other cardiovascular diseases paint a worrying picture of our country’s health crisis. Over 11 million Nigerians are currently living with diabetes.”

He called on journalists to join in the campaign for an increase in the SSB tax, saying that “it is essential to collaborate to ensure that our communities have access to accurate information, that policymakers are held accountable for national policy framework, and that public health remains a top priority in our communities and country.”

Also, the programme director of Development Communications Network and chief editor of Nature Africa, Akin Jimoh said that SSBs have been found to have caused non-communicable diseases, which are responsible for 74 per cent of global deaths.

He said, “studies have shown a strong link between sugary drinks (SSBs) and the risk of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) like obesity, type 2 diabetes, dental caries, and other NCDs.”

Jimoh reiterated the need for journalists to step up efforts to communicate the health dangers of SSB consumption and push for stronger public health policies.

He added, “the fight against NCDs linked to SSBs requires your continued commitment to educating the public and pushing for effective policy implementation.

“By upholding global health standards and driving national awareness campaigns, Nigerian journalists can play a pivotal role in safeguarding the nation’s health and future.”