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Dr. Chukwuma Anyaike announced that Nigeria consumes an estimated 38.6 million litres of soft drinks daily, ranking the country as the 4th highest consumer of soft drinks globally. These drinks contain sugar sweeteners, including corn syrup, fructose, and sucrose, found in soft drinks, juices, energy drinks, and flavoured dairy products.
At a presentation in Abuja, Anyaike expressed concern about the overconsumption of these beverages, especially among Nigerian adolescents, leading to childhood obesity and health issues in adulthood. Implementing a Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSB) tax is suggested as an effective way to reduce consumption, potentially lowering the occurrence of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
The simulation study underscores the need to address overconsumption trends by discouraging the purchase of large bottles that convey a perception of better value. With the high consumption rates and associated health risks, introducing an SSB tax could be a pivotal step in promoting public health in Nigeria.
