A medical expert, Professor Chukwuemeka Ubaka has advocated a significant increase in the tax on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), as part of measures to curb rising cases of diabetes and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Nigeria.
The Professor of Clinical Pharmacy, and Imo state Commissioner for Health, Secondary and Tertiary Healthcare Management, made the call at an Annual Lecture in Series of the Dora Akunyili College of Pharmacy, Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo.
Professor Chukwuemeka Ubaka noted with regret that excessive sugar consumption was fueling a health crisis, pushing millions of Africans into poverty due to escalating healthcare costs.
He pointed out that Nigeria remains the largest consumer of sugar-sweetened beverages in Africa, a development that led to imposition of a N10 per liter SSB tax under the Finance Act of 2021.
The medical expert therefore advocated a 20 per cent ad valorem tax, which would be based on the value of the beverage rather than just its volume.
Prof Ubaka debunked misconceptions that SSB taxation would harm low-income households.
According to him, the policy is progressive because poorer communities, which were more vulnerable to NCDs would benefit most from reduced consumption of sugar-sweetened products.
Prof Ubaka, however, appealed to government at all levels to ensure transparency in the use of SSB tax revenues.
He also advocated for funds to be earmarked for public health programs, awareness campaigns, and industry incentives to promote healthier beverage options, while urging Nigerians to cultivate the habit of drinking more water as an alternative.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of Igbinedion university, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, highlighted the vital role of pharmacy in improving health, safety and well-being of people.
Prof Ezemonye explained that the choice of the topic “Sip Smart, Live Long: Why Taxing Sugary Drinks Makes Sense”
was to interrogate the strategies for improving public health, reduce healthcare costs, and generate revenue for governments.
