Skip to content
Thursday 19 June 2025
  • Home
  • Advertise with us
  • Contact
The Frontier
Click to read
The Frontier
  • News
  • Crime
  • Politics
  • Headlines
  • Education
  • Health
  • Business & Economy
  • Sports
  • More
    • International
    • Religion
    • Entertainment
    • Info Tech
    • Matilda Showbiz
      • Gists
      • Music
      • Gossips
      • Oga MAT
      • Romance
    • Arts & Culture
    • Environment
    • Opinion
    • Features
    • Epistles of Anthony Kila
    • EyeCare with Dr Priscilia Imade
The Frontier
  • News
  • Crime
  • Politics
  • Religion
  • Headlines
  • Education
  • International
  • Business & Economy
  • Entertainment
  • Sports
  • Arts & Culture
  • Environment
  • Health
  • Matilda Showbiz
    • Gists
    • Music
    • Gossips
    • Oga MAT
    • Romance
  • Opinion
  • Epistles of Anthony Kila
  • EyeCare with Dr Priscilia Imade
  • Info Tech
  • Interview
The Frontier
Click to read
Health
Health

Sugar taxes in Nigeria: Unraveling the myths, realities, and complexities of public health

The FrontierThe FrontierNovember 2, 2023 3733 Minutes read0

Lately, the Nigerian media landscape has witnessed an upsurge in a campaign led by Olufemi Akinbode and his Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Group (CAPPA).

Their mission revolves around advocating for an increase in the current 10 naira per litre tax on sweetened beverages, as stipulated in the 2021 Finance Act, to 30 naira. Their argument hinges on the claim that the consumption of sugary drinks is a known risk factor for ailments such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and cancer.

It is quite unfortunate that in the battle against public health issues, sugar-sweetened beverages have frequently been fingered as the primary villains. Proponents of sugar taxes assert that increasing levies on these drinks could be the way out to mitigate communicable diseases like obesity and diabetes. Yet, it is imperative to scrutinize the validity of this assertion, as the matter is more intricate than it appears.

To assert that sugar-sweetened beverages are the singular or principal cause of public health issues oversimplifies a multi-faceted predicament. While these drinks can contribute to excessive sugar consumption, one must bear in mind that health outcomes are shaped by an array of factors. Genetics, overall diet, physical activity, and socioeconomic conditions all wield substantial influence over public health.

As with any dietary choice, moderation is key. A balanced nutritional approach, which allows for the occasional indulgence in sugary beverages, can harmonize with a healthy lifestyle and dispel misconceptions about their influence on obesity and related health issues.

Obesity fundamentally revolves around the balance of energy – calories consumed versus calories expended. Excessive calorie intake from any source can lead to weight gain, not just sugar. Sugar-sweetened beverages can be part of a balanced diet if their calorie intake is considered. The surge in obesity cannot be solely ascribed to sugar. Inactive lifestyles, a lack of physical activity, and overall poor dietary choices play a significant role in the obesity epidemic. Consuming sugary beverages in moderation is acceptable when integrated into a balanced lifestyle that includes regular exercise.

Furthermore, individuals’ metabolic responses to sugar and soft drinks can be notably diverse. Genetics, age, and overall health status shape how an individual’s body processes sugars. Some people can consume sugary drinks without significant adverse effects, while others may be more susceptible to health issues. Consuming carbonated soft drinks in moderation is crucial. Excessive consumption is when health concerns arise. It therefore follows that the effectiveness of sugar taxes in curbing public health issues remains a matter of debate.

Besides, research on the direct impact of sugar taxes on reducing communicable diseases is inconclusive. While some studies indicate a correlation between increased sugar taxes and reduced sugary beverage consumption, establishing a direct causal link between these taxes and a decrease in obesity or diabetes rates is challenging.

Raising taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages may inadvertently alter consumer behavior. As these drinks become costlier due to taxes, individuals might opt for cheaper, less regulated alternatives. This unintended consequence could lead to increased consumption of unregulated, lower-quality products, potentially worsening public health concerns.

Addressing public health issues necessitates a comprehensive, multifaceted approach. Placing the entire burden on sugar taxes can prove counterproductive. Rather than relying solely on punitive measures, health promotion, education, and improving access to healthier food options should also be integral to the solution.

A more effective strategy might involve empowering individuals to make informed dietary choices. Public health campaigns and educational programs can play a pivotal role in raising awareness about the health consequences of excessive sugar consumption and encouraging people to make healthier beverage choices. It’s essential to recognize that sugar taxes may disproportionately affect low-income individuals. Those with limited resources may continue to consume sugary beverages despite higher prices, resulting in a disproportional economic burden.

While sugar taxes might appear as a promising solution, it is critical to acknowledge the complexity of public health issues. Blaming sugar-sweetened beverages solely oversimplifies the problem. A more effective and equitable approach to public health concerns should encompass comprehensive strategies, such as health education, enhanced access to nutritious foods, and social initiatives that address the root causes of diet-related diseases.

In the ongoing debate about sugar taxes and public health, it is paramount to maintain a nuanced perspective.

Reducing public health issues is a shared objective, but the path to achieving it should be well-informed and balanced. Sugar taxes, by themselves, cannot bear the weight of solving complex health issues; a collaborative, multi-faceted approach is indispensable for a healthier future.

*Uwadiegwu, a commentator on national issues, writes from Abuja.

Tags
mythsNigeriaSugartaxesUnraveling
FacebookTwitterWhatsAppLinkedInEmailLink
Previous post EFCC chairman bans sting operations at night
next post Fire razes journalist’s house •We couldn’t take anything – Victim
Related posts
  • Related posts
  • More from author
Health

Sickle Cell Day: Patients battle high cost of drugs, access to treatment

June 19, 20250
Health

US-based Nigerian sleep scientist uncovers effects of sleep deficiency in humans

June 19, 20250
Health

Diphtheria: Edo places hospitals on high alert to contain outbreak

June 18, 20250
Load more
Read also
Inside Akwa Ibom Today

inside the Hill top newspaper

February 9, 20250
News

Yelewata IDPs protest in Makurdi over food shortages, demand return to community

June 19, 20250
Crime

Alleged terrorism: I have no case to answer – IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu tells court

June 19, 20250
Politics

INEC fires back at coalition over 2027 party registration delay

June 19, 20250
International

BREAKING: Israel threatens to eliminate Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei

June 19, 20250
Arts & Culture

Anyone seeking chieftaincy titles in Ogbomoso must spend money, says Oba

June 19, 20250
News

Tinubu inaugurates rural projects in Kaduna

June 19, 20250
Load more

inside the Hill top newspaper

February 9, 2025

Yelewata IDPs protest in Makurdi over food shortages, demand return to community

June 19, 2025

Alleged terrorism: I have no case to answer – IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu tells court

June 19, 2025

INEC fires back at coalition over 2027 party registration delay

June 19, 2025

BREAKING: Israel threatens to eliminate Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei

June 19, 2025

Anyone seeking chieftaincy titles in Ogbomoso must spend money, says Oba

June 19, 2025

inside the Hill top newspaper

0 Comments

Yelewata IDPs protest in Makurdi over food shortages, demand return to community

0 Comments

5 burnt to death scooping fuel from fallen tanker

0 Comments

Naira slumps further as dollar scarcity bites harder

0 Comments

BREAKING: Appeal Court sacks Senate Minority Leader, orders election rerun

0 Comments

Again, Trump fined $10,000 for violating gag order

0 Comments

Follow us

FacebookLike our page
InstagramFollow us
YoutubeSubscribe to our channel
WhatsappContact us
Latest news
1

inside the Hill top newspaper

February 9, 2025
2

JUST IN: FG to review fresh hike of DStv, GOtv packages

April 25, 2024
3

Fuel price hike: We stand by our statement – NLC

September 4, 2024
4

Retired Abia permanent secretaries lament unpaid benefits, gratuities

November 1, 2024
5

How Tinubu caused tax reform opposition by Nigerians — PDP chieftain Sowunmi

December 9, 2024
6

Epistles of Anthony Kila: For love of nation and of democracy – Being an imaginary withdrawal speech by Joe Biden

July 5, 2024
Popular
1

inside the Hill top newspaper

February 9, 2025
2

Treason: Justice Nyako withdraws from Nnamdi Kanu’s trial

September 24, 2024
3

Varsity kicks out 19 students for alleged exam malpractices, misconduct

April 2, 2024
4

Okuama killings: Perpetrators yet to be identified one year after – Urhobo leader laments

March 14, 2025
5

Don’t come back – South Africans threaten Super Eagles goalkeeper Nwabali

February 9, 2024
6

World calls for restraint after Iran strikes Israel

October 2, 2024

About The Frontier

The Frontier is Nigeria’s leading online newspaper. It is published by Okims Media Links Limited headed by Sunny Okim, a veteran journalist who is widely known as The Grandmaster, fondly called so by colleagues and friends for being Nigeria’s pioneer movie journalist.

Most viewed

inside the Hill top newspaper

February 9, 2025

21 states seek N1.65 trillion loans despite 40% rise in allocations •FULL LIST

August 27, 2024

2027: Faces of political heavyweights plotting to sack Tinubu •FULL LIST

May 28, 2025

Fuel pump price: FG meets with Dangote officials, says Naira-for-crude still in effect

April 9, 2025

Gov Obaseki’s new minimum wage Greek gift to Edo civil servants – APC candidate Okpebholo

May 2, 2024
Top posts

Categories

  • News2893
  • Crime2480
  • Politics2293
  • International1594
  • Business & Economy1530
  • Headlines1399
  • Sports1342
  • Education823
  • Matilda Showbiz558
  • Health488
  • Entertainment417
  • Religion313
  • Environment229
  • Hunger protests in Nigeria223
  • Special204
  • Africa179
  • Info Tech152
  • Arts & Culture141
  • Interview107
  • Opinion82
  • Inside Akwa Ibom Today71
  • EyeCare with Dr Priscilia Imade70
  • Epistles of Anthony Kila19
  • Advert16
  • Trends5
  • Local News4

© 2025 The Frontier, Published by Okims Media Links Limited.

designed by winnet services

  • Home
  • Advertise with us
  • Contact