By Tina Amanda
As the world marks World Obesity Day (WOD), Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has renewed its call for comprehensive healthy food policies to curb Nigeria’s rising obesity rates and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
In a statement on Tuesday, CAPPA pointed out alarming global obesity statistics, reinforcing the urgent need to discourage excessive consumption of sugary drinks—a key risk factor for obesity.
These measures, CAPPA said, include raising the tax imposed on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSB) Tax from the current N10, to N130 per litre or by any rate that is not less than 20 per cent of the product’s retail price.
CAPPA aligned with the WOD theme of “Changing Systems, Healthier Lives” which puts the onus on systems that influence the drivers of obesity and related chronic diseases to act.
The NGO noted that these include the food systems, healthcare services, governments, media, and workplaces, and communities.
“These systems are directly or indirectly linked to the increasing rates of obesity,” said Akinbode Oluwafemi, CAPPA’s Executive Director.
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He cited data from the World Obesity Federation (WOF), warning that by 2035, 1.9 billion people—1 in 4 globally—will be living with obesity, costing the world economy $4.32 trillion, double the 2010 figure. Childhood obesity is projected to double between 2020 and 2035.
Oluwafemi expressed concern over Nigeria’s rising obesity rates, once thought to be a problem of wealthier nations. According to the National Library of Medicine, as of 2020, more than 21 million Nigerians aged 15 and above were overweight, while 12 million were obese, with prevalence rates of 20% and 12%, respectively.
CAPPA also condemned food corporations for aggressively marketing ultra-processed, unhealthy food products, particularly targeting children and youth, undermining indigenous diets and public health.
“These junk foods contribute significantly to overweight and obesity, leading to manpower loss and reduced productivity due to hospitalizations and chronic disabilities,” Oluwafemi added.
Citing the World Health Organization (WHO), CAPPA warned that obese children face increased risks of serious health conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, sleep disorders, and liver disease.
“Childhood obesity also heightens the risk of adult obesity, noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), premature death, and disability.
“To tackle obesity and reduce NCDs, we strongly advocate for a pro-health levy-raising the SSB tax to N130 per litre, with the proceeds invested in the healthcare sector.”
