Yemisi Izuora
The public have been warned about the dangers related to consumption of soft drinks which could lead to serious health consequences and death.
The Executive Director of Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), Akinbode Oluwafemi, in his remarks at the opening of Journalism training on Sugar Sweetened Beverages (SSB) and Industry Monitoring in Lagos, on Thursday warned that the habitual consumption of SSBs, is one that does not only affect us as individuals and our communities but also the health and well-being of our nation as a whole.
Providing data, Oluwafemi, said that in Nigeria, studies have shown that close to 30 per cent of annual deaths are due to Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), which are primarily linked to unhealthy diets, particularly the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), also known as “soft drinks”.
The high rates of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and other cardiovascular diseases highlight a health crisis in Nigeria, with over 11 million Nigerians currently living with diabetes, he disclosed.
He went on to warn that Nigeria’s status as the fourth-largest consumer of soft drinks globally is concerning and is a looming health epidemic if not addressed promptly.
In his candid opinion he advised that the adverse effects of these preventable diseases on productivity, revenue loss, and human lives underscore the urgency for effective policy solutions.
However, he noted that the government initiated an Excise Duty of N10 per litre tax on all carbonated sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) through the 2021 Finance Act and began its implementation in June 2022, the objective of which is to reduce the excessive consumption of sugary drinks.
However, though the initiative is a step in the right direction, it falls short of the global recommendation of at least a 20 per cent increase in the final retail price of SSBs, he added.
Besides very low tax regime on SSB products, their manufacturers have continued to use deceptive marketing, lack of content disclosure, non-existence of Front of Pack labeling and false nutrition benefit to recruit consumers and sustain profits at the expense of health.
“As journalists, you have a unique platform and responsibility to shed light on critical issues facing our society and promote public health policy interventions. The effective implementation of an excise on sugar-sweetened beverages is a vital public health measure aimed at curbing the rising tide of NCDs.
“With in-depth and factual reports, we believe the media can assist in exposing sharp practices by SSB companies. You can also focus on regulatory loopholes, and advocate for policies that prioritize public health over corporate profit. The true cost of consuming SSBs is in the burden of diseases, productivity loss, and poor national health outcomes.” Oluwafemi pointed out.
He further pointed out that public health advocacy goes beyond just reporting the facts, but requires storytelling that resonates with the public, highlighting the human angle of the effects of SSB consumption and the urgency of action. By amplifying the voices of health experts, community leaders, and individuals affected by NCDs, we can galvanize public support for this critical healthy food policy, he advised.
“I urge you to use your platform as journalists to advocate for the effective implementation of SSB Tax. It is essential to collaborate to ensure that our communities have access to accurate information, that policymakers are held accountable for national policy framework, and that public health remains a top priority in our communities and country.” he said.