Tax on carbonated drinks will help curb diabetes prevalence in Nigeria – Global Health Advocacy Incubator

As the recent decision of the Nigerian government to introduce 10% taxation on carbonated drinks and sugar sweetened beverages (SSB) generate divergent views from the general public, health experts have assured Nigerians that the policy will help curb the growing rate of diabetes in the country.

A statement released by the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI) indicated that the newly implemented tax will decrease consumption of non-alcoholic and sweetened beverages and also raise government revenue which will be a critical tool to help fight the non-communicable disease (NCD) epidemic in Nigeria.

According to the GHAI, over 12 million people in Nigeria are suffering from obesity that leads the Africa continent in diabetes prevalence. It says the implementation of healthy food policies, including SSB taxes, will help curb the globally growing rates of obesity, diabetes and other diet-related non-communicable diseases.

It cited South African as an example who through the implementation of excise duty on SSB, experience decreased consumption of carbonated drinks by 20% in a year.

“A study published in The Lancet Planetary Health in 2020 showed that South Africa’s SSB tax (referred to as the Health Promotion Levy) was effective in reducing consumption and purchases of taxed beverages within a year of going into effect.

“According to a study published by the University of Washington, Seattle saw a 20% decrease in consumption after it implemented an SSB tax in January 2018, and the decrease in low-income communities was even more significant.” GHAI added.

The Global Health Advocacy Incubator however commended President Muhammadu Buhari, the Ministries of Finance and Health for recognizing the importance of healthy food policies and the significant impact this SSB tax will have in Nigeria.

“We are thrilled about this development. The SSB tax is a win for public health and the Nigerian people. Gatefield has benefited from the collaborative endeavours of diverse stakeholders, including members of our NASR coalition, other public health groups, and the academic research community, in achieving this historic milestone.

“The introduction of this tax has spurred continuing advocacy efforts towards protecting the tax, ensuring its implementation, and further educating the public to gain greater understanding and support for the tax and its benefits,” said Shirley Ewang, Advocacy & External Engagement Specialist at Gatefield Impact.

Recall the President Muhammadu Buhari signed the sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) tax into law as part of the 2021 Finance Act to be implemented in 2022.