Nigeria urged to hike sugary drink taxes to combat diabetes and obesity crisis

A public health group in Nigeria has urged the government to raise taxes on sugary drinks. The call comes as concerns grow over rising rates of diabetes, obesity, and heart disease linked to excessive sugar consumption. Campaigners argue that stronger taxes could save lives and fund vital healthcare services. Akinbode Oluwafemi, Executive Director of the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), has proposed increasing the Sugar-Sweetened Beverage (SSB) tax from N10 per litre to at least N130. The current rate represents just 1% of the average retail price of sugary drinks, far below the World Health Organisation’s recommendations. Oluwafemi warned that Nigeria faces a 'ticking public health time bomb' due to rising cases of diabetes, stroke, and obesity—all tied to high sugar intake.

The group estimates that Nigeria loses over N200 billion annually in potential revenue by keeping the tax low. These funds could instead support healthcare financing, school feeding programmes, and initiatives to prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Nigerians already spend around N1.92 trillion each year treating preventable NCDs, placing a heavy burden on families and the health system. CAPPA has also demanded stricter measures, including mandatory front-of-pack labelling on sugary drinks, annual public reporting on tax use, and protections against corporate influence in health policymaking. Oluwafemi called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to strengthen the SSB tax regime and ensure its transparent implementation. Experts consider higher SSB taxes one of the most effective and fair ways to reduce sugar consumption while raising funds for public health.

If adopted, the proposed tax increase could generate billions for healthcare and disease prevention. The move would also align Nigeria with global health recommendations aimed at cutting sugar-related illnesses. Authorities have yet to respond to the campaign’s demands.