Stakeholders make case for Sugar-Sweetened Beverage taxation

Some key stakeholders in the health sector have advocated the taxation of sugar-sweetened beverages.

They described it as an effective, evidence-based approach to tackling noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and promoting public health.

Stakeholders spoke at Nigeria‘s first Pro-Health Tax Webinar Series with the topic: “Does Nigeria Need a Sugar Tax?”

The forum, which was organized in collaboration with Nigeria Health Watch (NHW), was supported by the Action on Sugar Reduction (NASR), the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria and the Nigeria Cancer Society.

The Nigerian News Agency recalls that the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Ms. Zainab Ahmed, when presenting the 2022 budget breakdown, had announced a special tax of N10 per liter on all non-alcoholic products, carbonated and sweetened. drinks

The minister said the new tax was introduced to increase excise duties and revenue related to health and other critical spending in line with 2022 budget priorities.

Ahmed added that the main purpose of the tax was to discourage excessive consumption of sugar in beverages that contributes to obesity, diabetes and other diseases.

Speaking at the webinar, Dr. Kate Mandevillek, Senior Health Specialist at the World Bank, said the sugar tax would help improve the health of the population and increase the country’s income.

She said there was strong evidence linking the use of tobacco, alcohol and sugary drinks with diabetes, obesity, tooth decay and increased health costs.

Mandevillek said raising public awareness of the health problems stemming from consuming sugary drinks was just as important as the price impact for the organizations that make the products.

She added that it was important to encourage organizations to switch to sugar-free products.

Mandevillek said that, like the UK, Nigeria’s sugar tax could be a win-win situation for the health of the population and increased domestic revenue in the country.

NHW Managing Director, Ms. Vivianne Ihekweazu, said taxes generated by sugary drinks would deliver key results with “a public health gain, better health outcomes and reduced health care costs.”

Ihekweazu said that earmarking such additional revenue for critical population-based health interventions can help quickly rebuild a resilient health system in Nigeria.

“Sugar-sweetened beverages have little or no nutritional value, so a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages should be seen as one component of a comprehensive approach to tackling unhealthy diets.

“Despite any pushback from industry over this tax, it is important that we protect the health of Nigerians,” she said.

Mr. Fola Adeola, Executive Director of the FATE Foundation, emphasized that the high mortality rate in adults is attributed to the consumption of tobacco, alcohol and sugary drinks.

According to Adeola, the government must initiate preventive efforts to save lives.

Other stakeholders in the forum also argued that fiscal policies, such as taxes, have enormous potential to promote healthy behavior.