NASR commends FG for introducing tax policy on sugar-sweetened beverages

The National Action on Sugar (NASR), a
health coalition advocating for policy measures to combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Nigeria, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari led administration for introducing a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages.

The commendation was made in a statement signed by member of the coalition and President of the Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS), Dr Adamu Alhassan Umar and representative of the Coalition Omei Bongos-Ikwue on Thursday.

Recall that the Minister of Finance, Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed at the public presentation of the 2022 budget on Wednesday in Abuja announced a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages.

An excise tax of N10 per litre will now be imposed on non-alcoholic, carbonated and sweetened beverages.

The minister explained that the tax policy was instituted to raise revenue
for critical expenditure, including health-related expenditure.

Late last year, the Coalition petitioned the Finance Minister in an open letter urging the government to proceed with a proposed carbonated drinks tax.

The Coalition says it considers the tax a protective measure for Nigeria’s poorest, a population that stands to benefit the most from a reduced consumption of sugary beverages.

NASR also believe that tax revenue can be used to curtail the rising burden of disease on the poor and on the nation’s healthcare system.

Dr Adamu Alhassan Umar said, “the timely passage of the Finance Act and the 2022 Appropriation Act by the National Assembly and the subsequent assent by the President, which gave legal backing to the new tax policy for non-alcoholic, carbonated and sweetened beverages is a welcome development to the National Action on Sugar Reduction.

“As advocates we will continue to advocate for proper utilization of the funds towards key preventive measures for non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cancers and others” he added.