The Federal Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) will host a National Conference on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Tax on Wednesday, October 25, 2023.
The conference themed “Towards Sustainable Pathway for Pro-Health Tax in Nigeria,” will bring together critical stakeholders including government representatives, public health professionals, academics, civil society groups, and the media, among others to interrogate the current SSB tax regime in Nigeria and identify effective implementation and sustainability roadmap.
The lineup of speakers at this event includes President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Health, Dr. Salma Ibrahim Anas, key representatives from the Nigeria Customs Service, leading experts in the fields of Public Health, Tax and Financing, as well as Public Health Advocates, along with representatives of the people.
Dr. Gafar Alawode, Development Governance International, will lead the conversation on “Nigeria’s Weak Health Systems and the Quest for Sustainable Healthcare Financing: A Case for Pro-Health Taxes”.
The Federal Government, through the Finance Act 2021, introduced a N10/litre Excise Duty on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages.
However, with growing concerns over the rising cases of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDS) in Nigeria, public health advocates have urged an increase in the rate from N10 to a minimum of N20.
They have also called for the adoption of the most effective evidence-based rate and implementation regime that reduces consumption, expands the tax coverage, improves collection routines, and ensures sustainable legislation to support the tax.The conference which will hold at the Reiz Continental Hotel, Abuja has provision for participants from across the world to join virtually.
