A civil society organization, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has expressed concern that manufacturing industry actively targets children and youth, bombarding them with sugary advertising and social activities, normalising unhealthy habits at a crucial stage in their development.
Executive Director of CAPPA, Akinbode Oluwafemi, while briefing newsmen on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSBs)Tax: Industry Undermining Public Health for Profits, in Abuja said this predatory marketing exploits the vulnerability of young minds, shaping preferences that echo for years.
He further said the consequences are far-reaching as diabetes and its complications steal years of healthy life, erode productivity, and strain resources, leaving families shattered and futures uncertain.
He said for years, “the sugar-sweetened beverages industry has painted a picture of sugary drinks as innocent pleasures. But behind the vibrant colours and catchy jingles lies a grim reality. SSBs are laden with empty calories, fuelling a public health crisis of diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.”
According to him, “the statistics are sobering: one in ten Nigerians now live with diabetes, placing a crippling burden on individuals and Nigeria healthcare system.
“Amidst the festive cheer, the SSB industry drowns out public health concerns with a deafening roar of misinformation. They blame personal responsibility. They ignore their aggressive marketing tactics that target the most vulnerable: children and low-income communities.
“While families come together for festive gatherings, the SSB industry feasts on obscene profits, built on the backs of collective health.
“These producers annually especially during festive seasons incorporate corporate activities like festivals, awards and sponsoring popular events, as a way of promoting their unhealthy products.
” It is important to note that as Nigerians we must choose public health over corporate greed and advocate for an increase in the current N10/ litre tax on these unhealthy drinks which began implementation in June 2022, demonstrably proven to reduce consumption by up to 20% in over 100 countries that have already implemented the tax.”
He also called for on the federal government to allocate budgets to healthcare, education, social services, research, and monitoring, with a focus on improving public health and addressing economic burdens.
He urged the media and the public to actively engage in the discourse surrounding the impact of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSBs) on public health adding that their involvement is pivotal in fostering a wider understanding of the issue and promoting informed decision-making.
Dangers of SSB consumption, CAPPA fingers manufacturing industries
