The Executive Director of Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, Akinbode Oluwafemi, has revealed that noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are responsible for about 30% of all annual deaths in Nigeria. Speaking at a journalism training on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSB) Tax and industry monitoring in Kano, he warned that excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods and sugary drinks is fueling an escalating public health crisis.
Oluwafemi noted that many Nigerians now suffer from debilitating conditions once considered rare, straining the healthcare system and impacting national well-being. He highlighted the role of food corporations in promoting unhealthy diets through aggressive marketing, especially to young people.
In response, Nigeria introduced an SSB tax in 2021, imposing a N10 levy per litre on sweetened drinks. However, Oluwafemi raised concerns about the low tax rate, lack of transparency in revenue use, and misinformation by the SSB industry, which have weakened the tax’s effectiveness.
He emphasized the importance of empowering journalists to report accurately on public health issues and industry influence, and to help the public access evidence-based information.
Dr. Amadi Dorothy from the Federal Ministry of Health echoed these views, stressing the media’s key role in grassroots health awareness and countering misleading industry narratives.
Source: Swifteradio.com
