By Amanabo Ocholi | The Bureau News
The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to introduce a minimum 20% tax on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) as part of efforts to curb the rising cases of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the country.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 5-day Youth Bootcamp for Food Justice held at Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, Ekiti State, CAPPA’s Executive Director, Oluwafemi Akinbode, said sugary drinks are major contributors to diabetes, stroke, and hypertension, stressing that the proceeds from the tax should be directed to funding Nigeria’s healthcare system.
“The government must prioritise public health over corporate profits. A 20% SSB tax is a preventive policy that will save lives and generate resources for our health sector,” Akinbode said.
In a lecture titled “Movement Building, Youth Activism and the Quest for Healthy Food Policies in Nigeria,” Professor Adelaja Odukoya expressed concern over the loss of food sovereignty in Nigeria, noting that communities no longer have control over what is produced, distributed, or consumed.
Odukoya urged both the government and citizens to embrace food justice, promote local food production, and restore control of food systems to communities.
One of the participants, Hope Ogunkar, described the bootcamp as impactful and promised to use her platforms to raise awareness about food justice and healthier food choices.
