The Federal Ministry of Health has demonstrated its dedication to augmenting the tax on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages, proposing an increase from the existing rate of 10 per cent to 20 per cent.
The purpose of this initiative is to address the escalating public health issues linked to the excessive intake of sugar.
According to the government, the implementation of the levy is expected to discourage customers from consuming sugar-sweetened beverages and promote the consumption of healthier beverage options.
At the Pro-Health Tax Policy Campaign on SSB, hosted by the Federal Ministries of Finance and Health on Tuesday in Abuja, Director/Head, Public Health Department, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Chukwuma Anyaike, made the announcement.
She said, “Taxation on SSBs has been successfully implemented in countries like Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Portugal, and so many others to reduce the consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks.
“The introduction and sustenance of the tax in Nigeria will also reduce excess consumption of SSBS and thus reduce the burden of NCDs. We are committed to attaining the global best practice of at least 20% of the final retail price on all SSBS as the current 10 naira per liter price fails to achieve that. This campaign aligns with other government efforts in improving the public health of the Nigerian populace to meet up with the global priority of significantly reducing NCDs”, she said.
