By Queen Madaki
Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has called on the National Assembly to accelerate the remaining legislative processes on the proposed Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSB) tax reform bill, describing the measure as a crucial step toward addressing Nigeria’s rising burden of non-communicable diseases.
The Bureau Journal reports that the appeal follows the Senate’s approval of the bill, which seeks to replace the current flat excise duty of N10 per litre on sugary drinks with a percentage-based levy tied to retail prices.
The proposed legislation also provides for a portion of the revenue generated from the tax to be channelled into health promotion and disease prevention programmes across the country.
CAPPA Commends Senate Action
In a statement issued by its Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, CAPPA described the Senate’s decision as a timely response to an escalating public health challenge.
“By passing this bill, the Senate has demonstrated responsiveness to the growing public health crisis facing the country. We now urge the National Assembly to expedite the remaining legislative processes to ensure that the reviewed bill becomes law without delay,” he said.
Oluwafemi also urged lawmakers to ensure the bill is transmitted for presidential assent as quickly as possible.
Rising Health Concerns
According to CAPPA, Nigeria is experiencing a steady increase in non-communicable diseases, including Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, obesity and other diet-related illnesses linked to excessive consumption of sugary beverages.
The organisation noted that nearly one out of every three deaths in Nigeria is associated with non-communicable diseases, while more than 11 million Nigerians are currently living with diabetes.
It warned that the growing prevalence of these illnesses continues to place significant pressure on households, healthcare facilities and the broader economy.
Why CAPPA Wants a New Tax Structure
CAPPA argued that the existing N10-per-litre excise duty has not significantly altered consumption patterns because manufacturers can easily absorb the cost, while inflation steadily weakens its impact.
The organisation maintained that a percentage-based levy aligns with global recommendations and would be more effective in reducing excessive sugar consumption by increasing retail prices and discouraging unhealthy dietary habits.
“Fixed-rate taxes like Nigeria’s current system are easily absorbed by manufacturers and rendered ineffective by inflation. A percentage-based levy ensures that the tax remains impactful over time, discourages excessive sugar intake, and better protects public health,” CAPPA stated.
Call for Transparency in Revenue Use
CAPPA welcomed the provision allocating part of the tax proceeds to health promotion and disease prevention initiatives, saying the measure could help strengthen Nigeria’s underfunded healthcare sector.
However, the organisation stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in managing the funds to ensure the revenue is used strictly for public health interventions.
The group also commended Senator Ipalibo Banigo for sponsoring the legislation and urged the House of Representatives to expedite consideration of the bill.
“We are in the midst of a preventable public health crisis driven by unhealthy diets and weak regulatory frameworks. Strengthening the SSB tax is not just a fiscal measure; it is a life-saving intervention,” CAPPA said.
The Bureau Journal reports that CAPPA believes strengthening Nigeria’s sugar tax framework and investing the proceeds in healthcare could significantly reduce preventable diseases, improve health outcomes and save lives for future generations.
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