The National Action on Sugar Reduction Coalition is asking the Federal Government to enforce a 20 percent tax on sugary beverages.
The coalition believes that taxing sugary drinks will help protect Nigerians from preventable diseases and obesity.
They pointed out that globally, one in eight people struggle with obesity, and in Nigeria, 30% are overweight and 15% are considered obese.
During an event in Abuja to mark World Obesity Day, the coalition's representative, Omei Bongos-Ikwue, stated that the quickest way to become obese is by consuming sugary drinks.
World Obesity Day is observed worldwide on March 4th to address the growing obesity crisis and governments are urged to recommit to addressing this challenge for a healthier future for all.
The World Obesity Atlas released by the World Obesity Federation projected that by 2035, the majority of overweight and obese adults and children will be found in low middle-income countries.
The World Health Organisation highlights that over one billion people worldwide are impacted by the obesity crisis.
Bongos-Ikwue explained the link between sugary drinks and health issues such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease, emphasizing the need for government action to discourage their consumption through taxation.
She also emphasized that 12 types of cancer are linked to these products, and taxing them properly would deter people from buying them, ultimately preventing diseases like diabetes and heart disease.
She added that obesity poses a significant risk to health, and sugary drinks are a major source of added sugar in diets.
“We urge the government to implement higher taxes on sugary drinks. We demand at least 20 percent tax on all SSBs. The goal of this pro-health tax is to protect more Nigerians from the risks of obesity, alleviate the burden on the healthcare system, and promote a healthier society,” she said.
The National Action on Sugar Reduction Coalition has called on the Federal Government to impose a 20 percent tax on sugar-sweetened beverages. The coalition believes that this tax would protect Nigerians from preventable diseases and obesity. It also pointed out the global issue of obesity, with alarming statistics about the extent of the problem in Nigeria.
