Pharmacist advocates increase in sugary beverage taxes to curb Nigeria’s rising diabetes cases

As part of a policy to curb the rising cases of diabetes and other non-communicable diseases, NCDs, in Nigeria, Prof. Chukwuemeka Ubaka, Commissioner for Health, Secondary and Tertiary Healthcare Management in Imo, has called for a significant increase in the tax on sugar-sweetened beverages, SSBs.

Ubaka made the call on Tuesday while delivering the Annual Lecture Series of the Dora Akunyili College of Pharmacy, titled “Sip Smart, Live Long: Why Taxing Sugary Drinks Makes Sense”, at Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo.

The commissioner, who is a pharmacist, opined that excessive sugar consumption was fuelling a health crisis, pushing millions of Africans into poverty due to escalating healthcare costs.

“Africa has the highest prevalence and incidence of NCDs globally, and Nigeria remains the largest consumer of sugar-sweetened beverages in Africa.

“We cannot afford to ignore the link between excessive sugar intake and diseases like diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and cancer,” he said.

Ubaka noted that while Nigeria introduced a N10 per litre SSB tax under the Finance Act of 2021, the measure was insufficient to drive meaningful change.

He, however, advocated a 20 per cent ad valorem tax, which would be based on the value of the beverage rather than just its volume.

“Global evidence has shown that SSB taxes work. Countries with stronger sugar taxes have recorded reductions in obesity rates and sugar-related illnesses by as much as 50–70 per cent,” he added.

He also debunked misconceptions that SSB taxation would harm low-income households.

The commissioner posited that the policy is progressive because poorer communities, which are more vulnerable to NCDs, would benefit most from reduced consumption.

He further urged the government to ensure transparency in the use of SSB tax revenues.

Ubaka also advocated for funds to be earmarked for public health programmes, awareness campaigns, and industry incentives to promote healthier beverage options.

Earlier, in his opening remarks, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, Vice-Chancellor of the university, highlighted the vital role of pharmacy in improving health, safety, and the well-being of people.

Ezemonye said the topic was chosen to examine strategies for improving public health, reducing healthcare costs, and generating revenue for the government.

The Vice-Chancellor, while recounting the achievements of the university’s College of Pharmacy in research and innovation, asserted that it had produced graduates excelling in various fields.