Sugary Drink.
The National Action on Sugar Reduction (NASR) Coalition asserts that imposing taxes on Sugar Sweetened Beverages (SSB) and alcoholic drinks will benefit impoverished Nigerians.
Dr. Alhassan Umar, Co-Chairman of NASR, reiterated the coalition’s stance in a statement shared with reporters in Abuja on Saturday.
The NASR coalition keeps saying that putting high taxes on sugary drinks and alcohol will make people less likely to buy them. They believe that this not only discourages buying but also lowers the risk of diseases like diabetes and hypertension linked to consuming sweet things.
The statement mentioned that the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee recently organized a meeting with various groups like trade associations, CSOs, and NGOs to discuss ways to reform taxes that would boost Nigeria’s economic growth.
According to the statement, the committee’s chairman, Taiwo Oyedele, stated during the meeting that their goal is to lessen the tax burden on Nigerians by mainly taxing the richest one percent of the population, rather than introducing new taxes. ]
He believes this approach is more effective and will ultimately generate more revenue. Oyedele mentioned that countries with similar tax policies have experienced higher economic growth and revenue.
He emphasized the committee’s dedication to finding solutions that are suitable for Nigeria. Oyedele also highlighted the committee’s commitment to building confidence and transparency between the government and the Nigerian people.
The statement also quoted Mr. Runcie Chidebe, a member of NASR coalition and the Executive Director of Project Pink Blue (PPB), stating that taxes on sugary drinks are crucial to ease the burden on the poor.
According to Chidebe, “the SSB tax is not a tax on the poor, it is a tax on products that are harmful to health, and thus a pro-health fiscal policy.
He said it would directly protect the poor by deterring their consumption of sugary drinks and reducing their risk of serious diseases.
“I am concerned on why we should not tax the poor; we must take tax policy steps to protect the vulnerable.
“Many of the poor have lower socioeconomic status and they are more prone to consume SSB, processed foods that place them at a higher risk of diabetes and other non-communicable diseases.
”The NASR coalition contends that not implementing the SSB tax is counterproductive to public and preventive health practices, especially since there is evidence that implementing SSB taxes results in a healthier population,” Chidebe said.