Advocates pushing for an upward review in tax on sugar sweetened beverages are seeking at least 130 naira per litre excise tax charge to reduce consumption and decrease the burden of non-communicable diseases.
This formed the crux of discussions at the public presentation of a simulation study of the potential fiscal and public health effects of SSB tax in Nigeria.
The excess consumption of sugar sweetened beverages has become a significant public health concern for health experts.
An estimated 38million litres of sugar sweetened beverages are sold daily in Nigeria making it the fourth highest consuming country in the world.
This easy access to soft drinks has increased the burden of non-communicable diseases leading to a high incidence of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, hypertension and also some forms of cancer.
The unveiling of this simulation study comes after several campaigns to increase tax on SSB from the present rate of 10 naira per litre, but with current realities this rate might just not work.
Nigeria sits among countries with 77 percent of the global 41 million deaths caused by non-communicable diseases.
Advocates are seeking that the revenue generated will be shifted into public health interventions towards the prevention and control of NCDs.
The simulation study is expected to reduce the consumption of carbonated drinks through raising public awareness, increasing investment, and budgetary allocation for NCDs activities in the country.
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