The federal government could be missing out on over ₦200 billion in annual revenue due to a weak tax on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), according to Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA).
CAPPA Executive Director Akinbode Oluwafemi made this known during a media roundtable in Abuja, urging the government to raise the current ₦10 per litre SSB tax to at least ₦130.
“This isn’t just about revenue. It’s about saving lives, protecting families, and fixing our healthcare system,” Oluwafemi said.
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He emphasised that sugary drinks are contributing to rising rates of diabetes, stroke, and heart disease, especially among low-income Nigerians. Healthcare costs linked to preventable non-communicable diseases now exceed ₦1.9 trillion annually.
CAPPA’s key recommendations:
- Increase SSB tax to ₦130/litre, in line with WHO standards.
- Use the revenue to fund school feeding, basic healthcare, and health insurance.
- Enforce front-of-pack labelling and publish annual reports on tax revenues.
- Protect public health policies from corporate influence.
Oluwafemi dismissed industry fears of job losses, citing examples from South Africa, the UK, and Mexico where higher SSB taxes led to healthier product reformulations without harming businesses.
“This is a win-win policy. Let’s put public health ahead of corporate profit,” he said.
Sunday Michael Ogwu is a Nigerian journalist and editor of Pinnacle Daily. He is known for his work in business and economic reporting. He has held editorial roles in prominent Nigerian media outlets, where he has focused on economic policy, financial markets, and developmental issues affecting Nigeria and Africa more broadly.