Nigeria’s sugary drinks boom: Why higher SSB tax is public health imperative

Nigeriancurrent | 04-05-2026 08:16am |

Nigeria's market for sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) has experienced significant growth, with a notable increase in both product variety and the establishment of new manufacturing facilities. This expansion occurs against the backdrop of a rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCD) in the country, which poses serious public health challenges. Data reveals that the consumption of SSBs in Nigeria surged by 123 percent from 2008 to the present, highlighting a concerning trend that has prompted calls for increased taxation on these products as a public health measure. The proposed higher tax on SSBs is viewed as a necessary step to mitigate health risks associated with excessive sugar intake.

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