World Diabetes Day: NASR calls for imposition of tax on sugar sweetened beverages in Nigeria

As part of efforts to fight the scourge of diabetes in the country, a group known as National Action on Sugar Reduction (NASR) is advocating for placement of excise tax on Sugar Sweetened Beverages (SSBs) in Nigeria.

The group made the call in a public lecture organised by NASR in collaboration with the Ministry of health to commemorate the 2021 World Diabetes Day on Tuesday in Abuja.

World Diabetes Day is marked 14th November every year and the theme for this year’s celebration is ‘Access to Diabetes Care’.

Reports from the NASR indicates that Nigeria ranks amongst the fourth highest carbonated drinks consuming country in the world with an estimate of 3.9 million adults between the ages of 20 and 79 years diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the production of body sugar, it is a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attack, stroke and lower limb amputation of which healthy diet, physical activities and non tobacco intake can prevent.

According to the group, excise taxes on sugar sweetened beverages will reduce the consumption of carbonated and sugary drinks which highly contributes to the prevalence rate of type 2 diabetes.

A researcher from Research Hub Africa, Mr Akintola Akinwumi stated that the absence of excise duties on soft and carbonated drinks contributes to increase consumption of these products which had contributed to the rising burden life threatening diseases, including type 2 diabetes.

He said subscribing to tax policy means that there will be an increase in price of sweetened beverages and drop in purchase. It will also help consumers make healthier beverages choices.

Also speaking, Medical Expert, Dr Olumide Okunola urged that taxes on sugar sweetened beverages be included in the proposed finance bill for public health stating that this will go a long way to fighting the scourge.

In her presentation, Professor of Medicine and Endocrinology from the University of Abuja, Felicia Anumah noted that excessive consumption of SSBs can decrease insulin sensitivity. She said people who take soft drinks are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those who don’t consume them.

While explaining the risks involved in consuming SSBs and foods that contain refined sugar, Anumah stressed that diabetes may not show any symptoms and emphasised the need for constant blood sugar check especially for those who are at risks.

Those at risks of type 2 diabetes may include, individuals with family history of diabetes, persons with excess weight, history of delivery of microsomic baby among others.