The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has praised the Senate for approving legislation aimed at reforming the tax structure on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSBs).
The proposed legislation seeks to replace the current flat-rate excise duty with a percentage-based levy linked to product retail prices.
CAPPA said the move would strengthen efforts to reduce excessive sugar consumption and address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases across the country.
Executive Director of the organisation, Akinbode Oluwafemi, described the Senate’s action as a timely public health intervention and urged the House of Representatives to expedite consideration of the bill.
According to the group, the existing tax regime has had limited impact because manufacturers often absorb the costs without significantly affecting consumer behaviour.
CAPPA maintained that a percentage-based tax system would align more closely with global best practices and recommendations by the World Health Organisation.
