By Halimah Olamide
The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), a Pan – African organisation has called for an increase in the taxes of Sugar Sweetened Beverages.
This was the theme of discussion at a two-day workshop themed “Journalism Training on SSB Tax & Industry Monitoring” which held in Lagos on Monday.
Speaking at the event, a Senior Regional Advisor for the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), Mr. Adeolu Adebiyi, stated that it is imperative for the government to increase the tax on sugar sweetened beverages as it will reduce the consumption amongst many Nigerians who consume these not-so-healthy drinks.
Adebiyi noted that there is a need to create an environment for healthy choices as the consumption of these beverages are mostly unhealthy and have their consequences.
He also stated that tax increase should be implemented as the manufacturers or industries of these beverages will not always be rationale, they will mostly be after their profits.