CPPE Urges House to Reject Nigeria's N10-Per-Litre Sugar Tax Over Growth Risks

3 articles · Updated · THISDAY Newspapers · Jun 8

CPPE called on Nigeria's House of Representatives to block the Senate-passed sugar-sweetened beverage tax bill, saying it would add a new burden on manufacturers, consumers and jobs.
The bill would replace the current flat N10-per-litre excise duty on non-alcoholic drinks with a levy linked to retail prices, with part of the proceeds earmarked for health promotion and disease prevention.
CPPE said the measure clashes with the 2026 fiscal framework and broader tax reforms aimed at easing business costs, warning that higher production costs, weaker demand and regulatory uncertainty would hurt investment confidence.
While acknowledging rising diabetes and other non-communicable diseases, the group argued sugar taxes alone have limited health impact and said nutrition education, exercise promotion and preventive healthcare would be more effective.