In a bid to Tackle the escalating Public Health concerns linked to Excessive Sugar Consumption, the Federal Ministry of Health has announced its intention to raise the Tax on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSBs) from the Current Rate of 10 percent to 20 percent.
This Move is aimed at Discouraging the Purchase of SSBs and promoting Healthier Beverage alternatives, to curb the negative Health Impacts associated with high Sugar Intake.
Dr. Chukwuma Anyaike, Director/Head of the Public Health Department at the Federal Ministry of Health, shared this Development during the Pro-Health Tax Policy Campaign on SSB.
Held in Abuja, the Event underscored the successful Implementation of SSB taxation in various Countries like Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, and Portugal, where such Taxes have been introduced to reduce the Consumption of Sugar-sweetened drinks.
Dr. Anyaike emphasized the Ministry’s Commitment to align with International best Practices by Implementing a Tax rate of at least 20 percent of the final Retail price on all SSBs.
She stressed that the Current Tax rate of 10 Naira per liter is Insufficient to achieve the desired Reduction in Consumption and Mitigate the burden of Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs).
The Campaign aligns with broader Government efforts to enhance Public Health and aligns with Global Priorities to significantly reduce NCDs.
Peter Agada, a Representative of persons with Diabetes, called for greater Awareness about the Health risks posed by Carbonated drinks.
He emphasized the need for Accessible Healthcare services, including Subsidized Diabetes management, to prevent Unnecessary Deaths and Improve Health outcomes.
Edozie Chukwuma, a Spokesperson for the National Action and Sugar Reduction Coalition, echoed the call for an increase in the SSB Tax rate.
He explained that the Tax’s purpose is to discourage the Consumption of Sugary Beverages, thereby generating Revenue to support Healthcare Initiatives and address the Burden of Non-communicable Diseases in the Country.
The Ministry’s commitment to raising the Tax on SSBs reflects a Proactive step toward Fostering a Healthier population and Combating the detrimental effects of Excessive Sugar Consumption.
