By Gabriel Ameh
As Nigeria joins the global community to commemorate World Diabetes Day, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has thrown its weight behind the Diabetes Association of Nigeria (DAN) in calling on the Federal Government to declare a national emergency on diabetes care. The organisation also renewed its demand for a significant upward review of the sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) tax as part of urgent public health interventions.
In a statement issued on Friday, CAPPA described as “alarming” the recent revelation by DAN that an estimated 30,000 Nigerians die annually from diabetes, while about 11.4 million others are currently living with the disease, according to recent media reports. This figure far exceeds the International Diabetes Federation’s (IDF) estimate, which puts Nigeria’s diabetes prevalence at roughly 3 per cent, representing about 2.99 million adults.
CAPPA expressed deep concern over the financial burden on patients, noting that the monthly cost of diabetes management now ranges between ₦100,000 and ₦120,000. The organisation warned that such costs place life-saving treatment far beyond the reach of millions, especially amid worsening economic conditions.
“This is yet another troubling statistic on the state of Nigeria’s noncommunicable disease (NCD) burden and the fragility of the country’s public health system,” CAPPA stated. “It is no surprise that Nigeria currently has one of the lowest life expectancy rates globally, according to the latest United Nations health report.”
According to CAPPA, the rapid rise in diabetes cases, combined with Nigeria’s declining life expectancy, highlights the urgent need for aggressive policy measures to curb unhealthy diets particularly the consumption of SSBs and other major risk factors associated with NCDs.
Akinbode Oluwafemi, Executive Director of CAPPA, reinforced the organisation’s position, noting:
“In this context, we at CAPPA fully support the call by the Diabetes Association of Nigeria for the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on diabetes care and to significantly increase the sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) tax. All proceeds must be channelled into strengthening the health sector.”
He explained that unhealthy diets and sugary drinks play a major role in driving NCDs, while widespread marketing of sugary beverages and ultra-processed foods continues to negatively influence dietary habits across the country.
Oluwafemi warned that failure to act decisively could result in generations of Nigerians becoming dependent on high-sugar products, setting the stage for widespread obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and early deaths.
CAPPA emphasised that a combination of strong public-health policies—such as effective SSB taxation, sodium reduction targets, front-of-pack labelling (FOPL), and restrictions on marketing ultra-processed foods to children—are globally proven strategies for significantly reducing NCD burdens. However, the group underscored that even the most robust preventive policies must be complemented by a health system capable of supporting the millions already living with diabetes and other chronic diseases.
“This is why the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to channel revenue from taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and other harmful products into health financing remain crucial,” Oluwafemi added. “Dedicating these funds to NCD prevention and management will help provide predictable and sustainable financing at a time when families are sinking deeper into poverty due to rising healthcare costs.”
CAPPA reiterated its advocacy for an SSB tax of at least ₦130 per litre and mandatory front-of-pack nutrition labelling measures that align with global evidence. Higher taxes, the organisation noted, reduce consumption, encourage manufacturers to reformulate products, and generate vital revenue for the health sector. Front-of-pack labels, meanwhile, give consumers clear information to make healthier choices and help counter the influence of the food and beverage industry.
This year’s World Diabetes Day, themed “Diabetes Across Life Stages,” underscores the reality that diabetes affects individuals at every stage of life, including childhood, adulthood, and pregnancy.
Signed:
Robert Egbe
Media and Communication Officer,
CAPPA
