A recent case of a nine-year-old girl diagnosed with Diabetic Ketoacidosis from newly diagnosed Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus has highlighted the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Nigeria. The child, who consumed over 17 sachets of water in one day, was found to have lost weight in three months and had developed a voracious appetite. Her condition could have led to severe consequences, including shock, heart failure, and even death, if not treated promptly.
According to Dr. Chiwetalu Odoh, a paediatrician in Enugu, cases like this often arrive at the hospital when the patient is already unconscious. The child's condition is a reminder of how suddenly many NCDs creep up on a family, earning them the moniker "silent killers." Nigeria's growing burden of NCDs is a major public health concern, with no fewer than 28 per cent of all annual deaths in Nigeria caused by NCDs.
Several studies, including those by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the NCD Alliance, have shown that unhealthy diets, particularly heavily processed and pre-packaged products high in sugar, salt, trans fats, and chemical additives, are a leading risk factor for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, some cancers, and other NCDs. These ultra-processed foods have become increasingly available in Nigeria, gradually replacing traditional diets and contributing to escalating rates of NCDs.
The Nigerian government has taken steps to tackle the NCDs and health financing challenges. In 2021, it introduced a specific excise duty on sugary drinks through the Finance Act, amending the Customs, Excise Tariffs, etc. (Consolidation) Act (CETA). However, the fixed duty of N10 per litre has not been effective, as it amounts to a fraction of one percent of the average retail value of most sugary drinks sold in Nigeria.
To address this issue, the national assembly has proposed an amendment to CETA to replace the N10 per litre excise tax on sugary drinks with a value-based, ad valorem tax linked to retail prices. The Senate passed the bill on June 4, 2026, and it is currently awaiting concurrence in the House of Representatives. Critics argue that a stronger tax will increase production costs and hurt manufacturers and consumers, but they fail to mention the consequences of preventable NCDs.
Nigerians are already paying for the consequences of preventable NCDs through huge medical bills, lost working hours, reduced productivity, and pressure on an underfunded health system. The country spends about N1.9 trillion yearly to treat diabetes and other NCDs, with health-related expenses pushing over one million Nigerians into poverty annually. A stronger tax on sugary drinks could help reduce the financial burden on individuals and the health system.
The proposed CETA Amendment Bill offers Nigeria an opportunity to invest in preventing sugary drinks-linked NCDs before they take hold. By implementing a value-based tax on sugary drinks, the government can reduce preventable disease, curb harmful consumption, and mobilize domestic resources to strengthen the nation's health system. The bill is a step towards prioritizing public health and preventing the long-term impact of chronic diseases on the population.
Key points
- The proposed CETA Amendment Bill aims to introduce a value-based tax on sugary drinks to reduce consumption and generate revenue for the health system.
- Nigeria's growing burden of non-communicable diseases prompts call for stronger tax on sugary drinks.
- A stronger tax on sugary drinks could help reduce the financial burden on individuals and the health system.
