A coalition, the National Action on Sugar Reduction, has said that the current tax of N10 per litre on Sugar Sweetened Beverages falls below the World Health Organisation recommendation.
Spokesperson for the coalition, Omei Bongos, stated this in a statement to commemorate the inauguration of the Public Service Announcement of the coalition.
The statement was made available to journalists in Abuja on Saturday.
She called on the government to increase the tax on SSB, saying such a move would reduce the rate of consumption, and help to combat the rising rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes in the country.
She said that the PSA was aimed to educate Nigerians on the harmful effects of consuming the drinks, which are major contributors to obesity and other non-communicable diseases.
According to her, more than 11 million Nigerians are suffering from type 2 diabetes and struggling to afford necessary medication.
She said that the campaign highlights the urgent need for policy-makers to take action.
She stated, “Consumption of SSB is not just a personal choice; it has far-reaching consequences on public health. By increasing the SSB tax, we can reduce consumption and ultimately save lives. Nigeria is currently one of the largest consumers of soft drinks in Africa and ranks seventh globally.
“The current tax rate of N10 per litre falls below WHO recommendations and is ineffective in curbing consumption.
“This PSA serves as a call-to-action for government officials to prioritise public health by implementing policies that will protect citizens from preventable diseases associated with excessive sugar intake. NASR is a coalition of health organisations dedicated to advocating pro-health policies aimed at reducing consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages to improve public health outcomes in Nigeria,” she stressed.
(NAN)
