Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Press Release
Published on 2024-03-14 19:07:32
The Lagos state Government is considering imposing a pro-health levy on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSB) to enhance public health and reduce the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Akin Abayomi, the Commissioner for Health, revealed this during a discussion with transparency watchdog organizations like Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), the Global Health Advocacy Incubator based in the United States, and the Centre for the Study of Economies of Africa (CSEA).
According to Mr. Abayomi, the imposition of an SSB levy would align with the state’s human capital agenda, focusing on promoting healthier children, better nutrition, and positively influencing the health and education sectors. This move comes after a detailed presentation of a simulation study on the ‘Potential Fiscal and Public Health Effects of SSB tax in Nigeria.’
Nigeria ranks as the fourth-highest consumer of soft drinks globally, and the study suggests raising the SSB tax to N130 per litre from the current N10 to reduce the country’s dependence on SSBs and alleviate the burden of NCDs. Additionally, this policy change could generate an estimated N729 billion in tax revenue, which could be allocated to bolstering the healthcare sector.
Akinbode Oluwafemi, the Executive Director of CAPPA, highlighted the health and fiscal benefits of implementing this policy in Lagos. He emphasized that such measures could effectively reduce the prevalence of NCDs like obesity and high blood pressure in Nigeria.
Mr. Oluwafemi pointed out that the government had previously imposed a fixed tax of N10 per litre on SSBs in 2021, which has not been adjusted despite the significant increase in the price of SSBs over the years. The simulation study recommended N130 as the appropriate tax per litre of SSBs in Nigeria.
In response, the health commissioner acknowledged the adverse impact of NCDs and proposed that implementing localized legislation through the House of Assembly would align with the state’s immediate health goals. The revenue generated from the SSB levy could be specifically directed towards addressing the consequences of SSB consumption, particularly in healthcare and education, to support a human capital agenda focused on healthier children and good nutrition.
Joy Amafah, the Nigeria Coordinator of Global Health Advocacy Incubator, emphasized the crucial role of the Lagos health ministry and the commissioner’s office in promoting a healthy Nigeria. The 2022 World Health Organisation (WHO) Manual on SSB Taxation Policies to Promote Healthy Diets also advocates for SSB taxes as a win-win strategy for public health, government revenue, and health equity.
In conclusion, the proposal to implement an SSB levy in Lagos aims to address the growing challenges posed by NCDs in Nigeria and enhance public health outcomes through sustainable policy interventions. This initiative could serve as a model for other states and the federal government to adopt similar measures to promote healthier lifestyles and reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases across the country.
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