Sugary Drink Kills, Increase Tax – CAPPA Executive Director 

Executive Director, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), Akinbode Oluwafemi says consumption of sugar-laden products accounts for about 30% of deaths annually in Nigeria and called for increased taxation on the products to reduce the alarming rate of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity among the people.

He stated this during a 2-day Journalism Training on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSB) Tax and Industry Interference at Exclusive Serene Hotel and Suites, Enugu.

He linked the surge of non-communicable aliments to the unchecked consumption of ultra-processed foods and sugar-laden beverages, describing it as a public health emergency and urged the Nigerian government to increase taxation on the consumables from ₦10 to at least ₦130 per litre to prevent a worsening health crisis.

Oluwafemi cited World Health Organisation (WHO) data showing that globally, NCDs are responsible for over 75% of deaths globally. He stressed that the current tax which was introduced in 2021 is outdated and insignificant to change consumers behavior.

The CAPPA boss who warned that powerful beverage companies are using covert tactics like lobbying, misinformation, among others noted research shows that a minimum tax of ₦130 per litre is needed to reduce sugary intake, stressing that Nigeria’s current 1% rate falls far below the recommended 20% benchmark.

Acknowledging the role of the media, Oluwafemi urged the media men to remain vigilant and use their platforms to inform, investigate, and hold stakeholders accountable, stressing that Nigeria’s public health challenges require actionable policies.

As the training continues, journalists are expected to tell stories that reflect the realities of Nigerians burdened by diet-related diseases and keep the public interest at the heart of their work.