The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has called on the Nigerian government to increase the excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) from the current ₦10 to ₦130 per litre, citing an escalating public health crisis driven by excessive sugar consumption.
Speaking at a stakeholder policy dialogue in Abuja, CAPPA highlighted alarming data linking sugary drink consumption to rising rates of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and other non-communicable illnesses across Nigeria. The advocacy group insists that the current tax rate is insufficient to discourage consumption or generate significant health-related revenue.
CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, stated, “Sugary beverages are fueling a silent epidemic of diet-related diseases. A higher tax will reduce consumption, force producers to rethink their formulations, and most importantly, save lives.”
The call aligns with recommendations from global health bodies like the World Health Organization, which advises using fiscal policies to promote healthy diets. CAPPA’s proposal also includes:
Ring-fencing revenue from sugary drink taxes to support universal healthcare and nutrition programs.
Mandatory front-of-pack labeling on all sugar-laden drinks to promote consumer awareness.
Public education campaigns on the dangers of excessive sugar intake.
CAPPA emphasizes that the tax increase is not just an economic adjustment, but a life-saving measure rooted in science and social justice.
Health experts and civil society organizations present at the event echoed CAPPA’s concerns, urging policymakers to act swiftly in the interest of national wellbeing.