Nigeria, oh Nigeria, how shamefully you buckle under the pressure of big corporations like Coca Cola and Pepsi. The recent decision by the Nigerian government to suspend the tax on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSBs) is a slap in the face to all those who have been tirelessly advocating for the reduction of non-communicable diseases in the country.
Health experts have been warning for years about the dangers of consuming sugary drinks like Coke and Fanta, linking them to deadly diseases such as diabetes and cancer. Yet, when it comes time to take action and impose a tax that could potentially save lives, Nigeria cowers in fear of upsetting the powerful beverage industry.
The Federal Government’s initial plan to impose a 20 per cent tax on SSBs was a step in the right direction towards curbing the overconsumption of these unhealthy products. The rationale behind the tax was simple – higher costs would lead to reduced consumption, ultimately benefiting the health of the population. But alas, in a shocking turn of events, the government has backtracked on this decision, bowing down to the pressure of manufacturers who care more about profit margins than the wellbeing of Nigerians.
Emeritus Professor Ifeoma Okoye, a renowned cancer care advocate, expressed her disappointment at the suspension of the tax, highlighting the detrimental impact it will have on the health of the people. She rightly pointed out that all over the world, there is a growing trend towards increasing taxes on unhealthy products like sugary drinks, alcohol, and tobacco. These so-called ‘sin taxes’ are crucial in raising awareness and combating the rise of non-communicable diseases.
It is truly baffling that the government would ignore the advice of experts like Professor Okoye, who have dedicated their lives to promoting public health. The suspension of the tax has effectively undone all the hard work and advocacy done by those pushing for policies that would benefit the health of all Nigerians.
But perhaps what is most frustrating is the government’s justification for its decision – claiming that it will boost manufacturing activities and job creation in the industry. Are a few more jobs worth sacrificing the health and wellbeing of an entire nation? Are we willing to allow big corporations to continue profiting off the suffering and premature deaths of our people?
The reports of the crash in prices of sugar-sweetened beverage products following the suspension of the tax only serve to illustrate the government’s lack of regard for public health. Is it really worth it to make these deadly products more affordable and accessible to the masses? Shouldn’t our focus be on promoting healthier alternatives and discouraging the consumption of harmful goods?
It is time for Nigeria to stand up and demand better from our leaders. We cannot continue to prioritize profits over people’s lives. We must hold the government accountable for its misguided decisions and push for policies that prioritize the health and wellbeing of all Nigerians.
In the words of Professor Okoye, “We want to make it unaffordable for them to have easy access to it, so that they don’t keep killing themselves in thinking that they are eating good food.” Let us not allow our people to fall prey to the deceptive marketing tactics of big corporations. Nigeria deserves better, and it is time for us to demand it.
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In the words of Professor Okoye, We want to make it unaffordable for them to have easy access to it, so that they don't keep killing themselves in thinking that they are eating good food. Let us not allow our people to fall prey to the deceptive marketing tactics of big corporations. Nigeria deserves better, and it is time for us to demand it
Nigeria, oh Nigeria, how shamefully you buckle under the pressure of big corporations like Coca Cola and Pepsi. The recent decision by the Nigerian government to suspend the tax on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSBs) is a slap in the face to all those who have been tirelessly advocating for the reduction of non-communicable diseases in the country
