By Linus Aleke, Abuja
The National Action on Sugar Reduction (NASR), on Friday, said, healthy food policies like Sugar-Sweetened Beverage (SSB) tax will help the government combat non-communicable diseases in Nigeria.
Senior Associate, Planning Advocacy and Engagement, Mr. Edozie Chukwuma, said this in a statement, in Abuja.
He said, NASR, hosted a dinner to commemorate the 2022 Gatefield and NASR Journalism fellows and provide a platform to discuss the future of advocacy for the SSB tax in Nigeria.
During the event, Shirley Ewang, Advocacy Specialist at Gatefield, emphasized the need to continue advocating for sustenance and increase of the SSB tax in Nigeria.
She stressed the timeliness of this as the beverage industry is pushing back on the tax and calling for its removal.
Joy Amafah from the Global Health Advocacy Incubator spoke about the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Nigeria and the importance of healthy food policies in reducing and preventing them.
Globally, taxation has been an effective method for reducing the consumption of unhealthy foods.
“The SSB tax has already been implemented in places like the Americas, Mexico, and South Africa, and research shows that it has contributed to a decrease in consumption,” the statement said.
An award-winning journalist and Gatefield pro-health journalism fellow, Ms.Rachel Abujah said, Nigeria currently lacks an efficient food policy and that the government should define the tax and earmark it for health purposes.
Abujah said the government should ensure that the funds from the tax are used appropriately, and should be earmarked to improve public health.
Bello stressed that while sugary drinks may not be the direct cause of type 2 diabetes, they are a major risk factor with no nutritional value.
“Gatefield and NASR remain dedicated to advocating for the pro-health SSB tax and will continue to raise awareness about its importance,” the statement concluded.
