The Federal Ministry of Health has announced its unwavering commitment to doubling the tax on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSBs).

The current tax rate of 10 percent is set to be elevated to 20 percent, marking a significant stride towards promoting healthier beverage choices, curbing the consumption of processed sugars, and contributing to a healthier future for both current citizens and generations yet to come.

This groundbreaking move comes in response to a global surge in health issues associated with high sugar intake, such as childhood obesity, diabetes, and dental problems.

Several nations, including Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, and Portugal, have already aligned with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendation of imposing a 20 percent tax on SSBs.

Nigeria now joins the ranks of these nations, aiming to dissuade consumers from purchasing sugar-sweetened products while encouraging the adoption of healthier beverage alternatives.

Dr. Chukwuma Anyaike, Director/Head of the Public Health Department at the Federal Ministry of Health, unveiled this initiative during the Pro-Health Tax Policy Campaign on SSB. The campaign, held at the Federal Ministries of Finance and Health in Abuja, is set to usher in a transformative shift in public health policy.

Dr. Anyaike said, “Taxation on SSBs has been successfully implemented in countries like Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Portugal, and so many others to reduce the consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks. The introduction and sustenance of the tax in Nigeria will also reduce excess consumption of SSBs and thus reduce the burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). We are committed to attaining the global best practice of at least 20% of the final retail price on all SSBs as the current 10 naira per liter price fails to achieve that. This campaign aligns with other government efforts in improving the public health of the Nigerian populace to meet up with the global priority of significantly reducing NCDs.”

Joining the chorus for healthier beverage choices, Edozie Chukwuma, a representative of the National Action and Sugar Reduction Coalition (NASR), emphasized the need for the government to increase the SSB tax.

He underlined that the campaign aims to raise awareness among the general public, policymakers, and government authorities about the hazards associated with SSB consumption.

“Basically, we’re calling on the government to enact laws to put together a tax that prohibits or reduces the consumption of sugary drinks. This tax will work by increasing the affordability of sugary drinks, thereby providing revenue that could be used to support healthcare, especially in dealing with the non-communicable disease burden in the country,” Chukwuma stated.

A poignant message was delivered by Dr. Peter Agada, a person living with diabetes, during the campaign. Dr. Agada urged Nigerians to steer clear of carbonated drinks, emphasizing that while the cost of purchasing these products may be low, the cost of treating diabetes is far higher.

He called upon the Federal Government to urgently subsidize the cost of diabetes management, including medications and monitoring devices, to reduce preventable deaths.

Dr. Agada highlighted the importance of accessible health insurance schemes for non-governmental employees and practitioners and encouraged the government to make diabetic drugs more affordable.

“One out of 17 Nigerians is living with diabetes or pre-diabetes, and many more are at risk. Diabetes is a pandemic and a life-threatening disease. It’s a destroyer of lives all over the world right now,” he warned.