Minister of Health, Prof. Ali Pate, civil society groups, and other public-health stakeholders have urged the Senate to approve an upward review of Nigeria’s Sugar-Sweetened Beverage (SSB) Tax.
They called for a shift from the current ₦10-per-litre tax to a stronger percentage-based system that would also earmark revenue for health programmes.
The appeal was made during a public hearing by the Senate Joint Committee on Finance, Customs and Excise on a bill sponsored by Senator Ipalibo Harry Banigo.
Representing Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Senator Adeniyi Adegbomire (SAN) said the ₦10 rate was no longer effective due to inflation, stressing that the reform aims to boost funding for essential health interventions not burden citizens.
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The Ministry of Finance, represented by Bashir Abdulkadir, expressed support for the bill but noted that the presidency also has powers to vary excise duties under existing laws.
Prof. Pate warned that the rise of diabetes, obesity and other noncommunicable diseases was linked to high sugary-drink consumption. He called for at least a 20% SSB tax, with 40% of revenue allocated to strengthening the health system.
Civil society groups, including CAPPA, CISLAC, the Nigerian Cancer Society, and the Diabetes Society of Nigeria also backed the amendment. CAPPA recommended setting the tax at 50% of retail price to reduce consumption.
Dr. Mansur Ramalan of the Diabetes Society said diabetes prevalence had risen to about 7% and argued that government revenue could increase by 200% under a stronger tax structure.
