World Obesity Day: NGOs want FG to increase tax on sugary drinks

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By Justina Auta

A coalition of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) has called on the Federal Government to increase tax on sugary drinks to reduce the obesity crisis in the country

The coalition which made the call in a statement on Thursday in Abuja released in commemoration of the 2021 World Obesity Day, specifically asked for 20 per cent tax on sugary drinks.

They include African Youth Initiative on Population, Health and Development (AfrYPoD), Project Pink Blue and Association for Reproductive and Family Health (ARFH)

Others are Lafiya Wealth Initiative, Make Our Hospital Work Campaign, TalkHealth9ja, Breast Without Spot Initiative (BWS), HAPPY Nigeria, Nigerian Youth Union (NYU) and Gatefield Impact.

According to the statement, Nigeria ranks 4th highest soft drink consuming country globally, with over 40 million litres sold annually.

It added that consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), commonly known as soft drinks, contributed to a high rate of…



Source: News Agency of Nigeria