Medical professionals, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and other stakeholders have urged the Federal Government to increase the prevailing N10 per litre tax of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSBs) to engender their low consumption, owing to the negative health impact they pose to Nigerians and their unwholesome contribution to Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in the country.

The concerned citizens, at a regional stakeholders’ forum on SSBs Tax, yesterday, in Lagos, established a relationship between uncontrolled consumption of carbonated drinks and obesity, diabetes, cancers and other factors leading to NCDs.

In his welcome address, Executive Director of Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), Akinbode Oluwafemi, said: “There is abundant science confirming a significant nexus between consumption of SSBs, obesity and risk of NCDs. NCDs account for over 29 per cent of deaths in Nigeria. The most forward-looking policy direction on obesity is the intervention framework contained in Nigeria’s National Multi-Sectoral Action Plan (NMSAP) for prevention and control of NCDS in Nigeria 2019-2025.

“The major highlight of the NMSAP is the prevention and control of the five main NCDs and their risk factors. Those risk factors include tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol, physical inactivity and unhealthy diets such as excessive consumption of red meat, salt, saturated fat, refined sugars in foods and drinks, sub-optimal consumption of fibre and micronutrients. NMSAP recognises the implication of excessive sugar intake in obesity, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), cognitive decline and some cancers.”

He noted that the NMSAP specifically identified obesity as a metabolic risk factor to CVDs, diabetes, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and cancers, while setting the target of reducing obesity in Nigeria to 10.73 per cent by 2025.

“To achieve the target of at least 25 per cent relative reduction in prevalence of obesity, NMSAP listed the priority areas and interventions to promote healthy lifestyle to include promotion of diet through reduction of sugar consumption by effective taxation on sugar-sweetened products.”

“In 2021, the International Diabetic Foundation (IDF) said the total diabetes-related health expenditure in Nigeria grossed at N45 billion. This is a staggering cost for a nation, where many live below the poverty line.”

In her goodwill message, In-Country Coordinator, Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI) and sponsor of the event, Joy Amafah, canvassed collaboration with operatives and government in health campaign.

Executive Secretary, Osun State Insurance Agency, Dr. Adeniyi Oginni, in his presentation entitled, ‘SSB Tax as a Panacea to Nigeria’s NCD Epidemic and the Need for Tax Earmarking’, observed that “increasing SSSB Tax will only help in reducing obesity, it will also lower morbidity arising from other NCDs.”

In his presentation entitled, “The Burden of SSB Consumption on Public Health, Public Health Consultant, Dr. Francis Fagbule, advised: “We should avoid free sugar. It is one of the recommendations from World Health Organisation (WHO). SSBs do not confer any nutritive value, instead you’re pumping in high calories.”

Research Associate, Centre for The study of The Economies of Africa (CSEA), Austin Iraoya, speaking on ‘Economics and Public Health Impacts of SSB Tax’, observed that the pro-health tax would correct market failures and incentivise companies to produce healthier alternatives.

Earlier, chairman of the occasion and Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Bode Ladipo, represented by the Director, Food and Laboratory Services in the ministry, Mrs. Bisi Akande, admitted that relevant agencies have not been doing enough to promote healthy living.

He harped on public education, stating: “We need to make our people know the negative impact of high sugar consumption to our health.”