Nigeria’s sugar tax has failed to challenge harmful beverage consumption — CAPPA

Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has said Nigeria’s current Sugar-Sweetened Beverage (SSB) tax policy has failed to significantly reduce harmful sugary drink consumption or discourage unhealthy industry practices, warning that the country is facing a growing public health crisis driven by excessive intake of sweetened beverages.

The organisation made the remarks during the premiere of its new documentary titled ‘Sweet Poison’ in Lagos.

The 20-minute documentary examines the widespread consumption of sugary drinks in Nigeria and links it to rising cases of non-communicable diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, obesity and cardiovascular disease.

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According to CAPPA, the current N10 per litre excise duty introduced under the Finance Act 2021 is too weak to influence consumer behaviour or compel beverage manufacturers to reduce sugar content in their products.

The group argued that despite the introduction of the tax, sugary beverages remain deeply embedded in Nigerian homes, schools and communities through aggressive marketing and widespread availability.

Speaking during the premiere, Akinbode Oluwafemi, the executive director of CAPPA, said Nigeria cannot continue to rely on weak policy measures while diet-related illnesses continue to rise across the country.

“With the burden of non-communicable diseases rising and healthcare costs climbing, Nigeria cannot afford half-measures. A stronger SSB tax is not just a fiscal tool, but a necessary public health intervention,” Oluwafemi said.

CAPPA said the documentary combines medical evidence, expert analysis, personal stories and community experiences to expose the growing health dangers linked to excessive sugary drink consumption.

The film also highlights how beverage companies use aggressive advertising and deep market penetration strategies to make sugary drinks part of everyday life, especially among young Nigerians.

According to the organisation, the documentary raises critical questions about whether Nigeria’s current sugar tax framework is fit for purpose at a time when non-communicable diseases are becoming a major healthcare challenge.

CAPPA is therefore advocating a more aggressive tax structure, recommending at least a 20 percent excise tax on sugary drinks, with a preferred target of 50 percent of the final retail price of such products.

The organisation also wants part of the revenue generated from the tax to be dedicated to healthcare interventions, awareness campaigns and treatment programmes related to non-communicable diseases.

“Sweet Poison is an attempt to connect the dots. It combines medical evidence, lived experiences and on-the-ground realities to show how growing dependence on sugary drinks is quietly reshaping the nation’s health profile,” Oluwafemi added.

Beyond health concerns, the documentary also draws attention to the environmental impact of the beverage industry, including plastic pollution and the resource-intensive nature of beverage production.

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CAPPA warned that without stronger regulation and public awareness, Nigeria could face worsening healthcare pressures as cases of obesity, diabetes and hypertension continue to increase.

The documentary also highlights CAPPA’s efforts to promote youth participation in public health advocacy and policy engagement at both national and sub-national levels.

Guests at the screening included Saheed Babajide, diabetes advocate; Ronke Opaleye, founder of the Diabetes & Limb Salvage Foundation Osarenkhoe Chima-Nwogwugwu, Leslie Adogame and Sam Eferaro.

The documentary earlier premiered on TVC News on May 5 and is currently airing across several media platforms nationwide.

Health advocates say the film could intensify calls for stronger regulation of sugar-sweetened beverages as Nigeria struggles with rising healthcare costs and increasing rates of preventable lifestyle-related diseases.