By Elizabeth Chimobi
At the National Conference on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSB) Tax and Health Financing held in Abuja on October 29, 2024, Akinbode Oluwafemi, Executive Director of Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to strengthen its SSB tax policy to address an alarming surge in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) across the country.
Highlighting that NCDs now account for 29% of deaths in Nigeria—driven significantly by high rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease linked to sugary beverage consumption—Oluwafemi stressed that the current N10 per liter tax is insufficient and called for an increase to N130 per liter.
Oluwafemi argued that the current tax rate has been largely eroded by inflation, falling short of the World Health Organization’s recommendation for SSB taxes to account for at least 20% of retail prices.
CAPPA’s recent research supports a more impactful rate, suggesting N130 per liter or 50% of retail price as effective targets. The suggested increase aims to curb consumption of SSBs and improve healthcare financing, while protecting Nigerians from the burden of costly, preventable diseases.
Oluwafemi also condemned interference by the beverage industry, which he said prioritizes profits over public health, using misleading marketing to influence consumer habits and policy.
He called for stricter regulation to ensure SSB taxes fund public health initiatives effectively, thereby easing the financial strain on Nigeria’s healthcare system and households.
The conference gathered policymakers, health advocates, and stakeholders committed to advancing healthcare financing as Nigeria faces an escalating NCD crisis.