The National Action on Sugar Reduction (NASR), a coalition dedicated to promoting health policies targeting Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSB), has raised concerns over Nigeria’s current tax rate of N10 per litre on SSB. In a recent statement marking the launch of their powerful Public Service Announcement (PSA), spokesperson Omei Bongos emphasized the urgent need for government intervention to address the country’s escalating rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Bongos highlighted that the coalition’s PSA aims to educate Nigerians about the detrimental effects of consuming SSB, which are significant contributors to obesity and other non-communicable diseases. With more than 11 million Nigerians suffering from type 2 diabetes and struggling to afford necessary medication, Bongos stressed the importance of policymakers taking immediate action.
According to Bongos, Nigeria ranks among the highest consumers of soft drinks in Africa and globally stands seventh. However, the current tax rate of N10 per litre, she argued, falls short of WHO recommendations and is ineffective in curbing consumption.
“Consumption of SSB is not merely a personal choice; it has profound consequences on public health. By increasing the SSB tax, we can reduce consumption and ultimately save lives,” Bongos asserted.
The PSA serves as a call-to-action for government officials to prioritize public health by implementing policies aimed at protecting citizens from preventable diseases associated with excessive sugar intake. NASR, a coalition of health organizations, remains committed to advocating for pro-health policies aimed at reducing the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages to improve public health outcomes in Nigeria.