Chudi Uwadiegwu: Sugar taxes in Nigeria: Unraveling the myths, realities and complexities of public health

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Lately, the Nigerian media landscape has witnessed an upsurge in a campaign led by Olufemi Akinbode and his Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Group (CAPPA). Their mission revolves around advocating for an increase in the current 10 naira per litre tax on sweetened beverages, as stipulated in the 2021 Finance Act, to 30 naira.

Their argument hinges on the claim that the consumption of sugary drinks is a known risk factor for ailments such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and cancer. It is quite unfortunate that in the battle against public health issues, sugar-sweetened beverages have frequently been fingered as the primary villains. Proponents of sugar taxes assert that increasing levies on these drinks could be the way out in mitigating communicable diseases like obesity and diabetes.

Besides, Research on the direct impact of sugar taxes on reducing communicable diseases is inconclusive. While some studies indicate a correlation between increased sugar taxes and reduced sugary beverage consumption, establishing a direct causal link between these taxes and a decrease in obesity or diabetes rates is challenging. Raising taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages may inadvertently alter consumer behavior.

 

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