A research report on Sugar-Sweetened Beverage (SSB) has revealed that Nigeria ranks fourth globally in the Sugar Sweet Beverages (SSB) consumption, with an annual sale of approximately 38.6million liters in a market valued growth rate of 16.63 percent in 2023.
The research report on Sugar-Sweetened Beverage (SSB) Tax titled “The Potential Fiscal and Public Health Effects of Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax in Nigeria” was officially launched in Abuja organised by Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA).
The comprehensive analysis delves into the potential impact of the SSB Tax on both the fiscal landscape and public health outcomes in Nigeria.
The Research associate , Centre for the Study of Economics of Africa (CSEA), Fidelis Obaniyi, while presenting the report further explained in the case of the SSB consumption patterns baseline data, the study are encompasses in Lagos, Onitsha and Kano.
According to Statista (2022), Lagos, situated in Southwest Nigeria, was projected to have a population of 15.388 million in 2022, making it the most populous urban centre in the country.
In the report, Kano city was home to an estimated 4,103 million individuals in the same year, while Anambra accommodated a projected population of 561 thousand individuals in 2022.
The Director Public Health department, Ministry of Health, Dr Chukwuma Anyaike, said the institution of SSB tax has been identified as the most effective way of reducing the consumption of excess sugar sweetened beverages consequently reducing the incidences and prevalence of NCDs.
He said to this effect, government introduced a 10 naira per litre excise tax on all sweetened beverages in the 2021 Finance Act.
“This is a step in the right direction towards achieving the global best practice of at least 20% of the final retail price on all SSB products. The revenue generated will be earmarked for public health interventions toward prevention and control of NCDs.
He said the findings of this Simulation Study will help to reduce the SSB consumption, increased public health awareness, it public health investment, increased budgetary allocation for NCDs activities and concerted effort in the effective control of NCDs in Nigeria.
In his remarks, the Executive Director of CAPPA, Akinbode Oluwafemi lamented that the damages done to families and loved ones who cater for the sick are enough motivation to see the public rally round the government in doing what is right for the general public.
“The cries and woes of the Armageddon by paid agents and allies of the SSB industry must not drown the voice of reason and the genuine concern for our welfare.
“We commission this study we are presenting today as part of our contributions towards assisting government in determining the most effective SSB tax rate in Nigeria,” he said.
Source: Blueprint
