Nigeria's Senate Committee on Finance has sparked outrage by advancing a bill to increase the excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) from ₦10 per litre to ₦130 per litre, or at least 20% of retail price, aiming to curb non-communicable diseases like diabetes and obesity. Sponsored by Senator Ipalibo Banigo (PDP, Rivers West), the amendment to the Customs and Excise Tariff Act would earmark revenues for health promotion, aligning with WHO recommendations for a 20% price rise to reduce consumption by up to 29% annually.
Health Minister Muhammad Pate and groups like the Nigerian Cancer Society and Diabetes Association support the move, citing Nigeria's high SSB intake fourth globally and rising NCD burdens, including 127,763 new cancer cases yearly. However, the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) and Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) oppose it, warning of job losses, factory closures, and harm to economic recovery amid inflation and fragility.
Public hearings revealed deep divisions, with industry leaders disputing direct SSB links to health issues and urging withdrawal to protect livelihoods. Senate deliberations continue, balancing health goals against economic impacts.