By Gabriel Ameh
Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has praised the Nigerian Senate for passing a landmark bill aimed at reforming the country’s tax on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSBs), describing the move as a major victory for public health.
The bill proposes replacing the current flat excise duty of ₦10 per litre on sugary drinks with a percentage-based levy linked to retail prices. It also seeks to dedicate part of the revenue generated to health promotion and disease prevention programmes.
CAPPA said the reform represents a significant shift toward evidence-based policies designed to reduce excessive sugar consumption and address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Nigeria.
The organisation commended the sponsor of the bill, Senator Ipalibo Banigo, for championing policies focused on improving the health and wellbeing of Nigerians.
Speaking in a statement issued on Wednesday, CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, described the Senate’s decision as timely and courageous.
“This is a commendable move by the Senate. The passage of the bill shows lawmakers are responding to the worsening public health crisis in the country,” he said.
CAPPA also urged the National Assembly to speed up the remaining legislative processes to ensure the bill receives presidential assent without delay.
The organisation highlighted Senator Banigo’s role in advancing health-related legislation, noting her contribution to the successful amendment of the National Health Act in April 2026, which increased funding for the Basic Health Care Provision Fund from one percent to two percent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund.
According to CAPPA, allocating part of the SSB tax revenue to healthcare programmes would strengthen government efforts to improve national health outcomes.
The group warned that Nigeria is facing a growing crisis of non-communicable diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, obesity, cardiovascular diseases and dental complications.
It cited public health data showing that nearly one in three deaths in Nigeria is linked to NCDs, while more than 11 million Nigerians are currently living with diabetes.
CAPPA blamed the situation partly on the increasing consumption of sugary drinks, especially among young people, arguing that the current ₦10-per-litre tax introduced under the Finance Act is too weak to significantly reduce consumption.
The organisation explained that a percentage-based tax system aligns with recommendations by the World Health Organization (WHO), which encourages governments to adopt stronger health taxes capable of raising product prices and discouraging unhealthy consumption.
“Fixed-rate taxes can easily lose value because of inflation and are often absorbed by manufacturers,” CAPPA stated. “A price-based levy remains effective over time and helps reduce excessive sugar intake.”
The organisation also welcomed plans to earmark part of the revenue for health promotion, preventive healthcare and improved access to essential medical services.
While applauding the Senate, CAPPA stressed that transparency and accountability must guide the management of the funds generated from the tax.
The group called on the House of Representatives to quickly concur with the Senate and transmit the bill to the President for assent.
“Nigeria cannot afford to delay action on this preventable public health crisis,” Oluwafemi added. “Strengthening the SSB tax is not just about revenue generation; it is a life-saving intervention.”
CAPPA maintained that a stronger sugary drinks tax regime would help reduce disease burdens, save lives and secure healthier futures for Nigerians.
