The Catholic
Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Mathew Hassan Kukah, has thrown his weight behind the
advocacy for an increase in tax payable on Sugar Sweetened Beverages (SSB) in
Nigeria. He made this known during an advocacy meeting with the management of
Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) in Abuja.
Bishop Kukah
commended the initiative by CAPPA and stressed the need for Nigerians to
appreciate the dangers posed by the consumption of sugary products. He
emphasized that everyone must listen to the campaign against the harmful
effects of SSB on human health. He noted that while it might be difficult for
people to let go of their habitual consumption of sugary beverages, it is a
life and death decision that must be made for the sake of their health.
He further
stated that there should be measures in place to prevent the proliferation of
fake products that could be used as replacements for SSB. Bishop Kukah also
called on the government to prioritize the welfare of the people by
implementing policies that would promote public health.
In his
remarks, the Executive Director of CAPPA, Mr Akinbode Oluwafemi, stated that
the organization was collaborating with influential leaders in Nigeria to
increase awareness on the need to reduce SSB consumption and advocate for an
increase in taxes to save lives.
Oluwafemi
recounted the attempt made in the past to increase the tax on SSB to N20 per
litre, which was met with a lot of resistance due to a lack of understanding
among Nigerians about the tax and its purpose in saving lives. He stressed the
need for more education and awareness on the dangers of consuming sugary
products and the importance of increasing taxes on SSB to promote public
health.
Overall, the
meeting was a call to action for Nigerians to take responsibility for their
health and reduce the consumption of SSB. The Bishop’s endorsement of the
campaign and call for the government to take action further strengthens the
advocacy for increased taxes on SSB in Nigeria.
