NASR Insists Sugar-related Diseases Affecting Productivity

James Emejo in Abuja

The National Action on Sugar Reduction (NASR) has expressed concern that the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) currently places a burden on the country’s health system and drives individuals into poverty through prohibitive out-of-pocket treatment costs as well as lost productivity.

NASR, a group of foremost health organisations advocating for fiscal policy measures to tackle the health risks of consuming sugar-sweetened beverages, particularly soft drinks, disclosed this in a public letter addressed to the Chairman, Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele.

The body insisted Nigeria is facing an epidemic of non-communicable diseases, and welcomed the committee’s stated focus on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and reducing multidimensional poverty.

While warning that a failure to implement proper fiscal measures that address public health concerns poses greater tax on the public, they said an increase in the current tax rate for sweetened beverages must be a national priority.