Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax: A Crucial Component of a Multisectoral Approach to Combating Non-Communicable Diseases in Nigeria

Abstract

There has been a significant increase in the burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in Nigeria in the last few decades. These diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, have become a major public health concern, contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality rates in the country. The consumption of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSBs), including soft drinks, energy drinks, and fruit juices, has been identified as one of the major drivers of the rising trend of NCDs. This is because SSBs are high in free sugars, which are known to be associated with an increased risk of NCDs. This narrative review explored the probable role of SSB consumption in the growing burden of NCDs in Nigeria and made a case for an effective SSB tax as a major public health intervention to reduce SSB consumption and the associated burden of NCDs.

Keywords

• chronic diseases
• excise duty
• health policy
• pro-health tax
• soda
• soft drinks