According to Salma Ibrahim-Anas, the special adviser on health, President Tinubu is working towards allocating 10% of the Nigerian budget to healthcare.
This move is intended to enhance the health outcomes of the nation and demonstrate the President's commitment to the well-being of Nigerian citizens.
During the GateField Health Summit held at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, the advocacy to tax sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) was strongly emphasised as a means to fund the country's ailing healthcare system.
The summit shed light on the long-term effects of SSB intake on Nigerians, particularly those suffering from diseases like diabetes, cancer, heart conditions, and other non-communicable ailments that are often associated with excessive consumption of sugary beverages.
The staggering statistics of over 13 million Nigerians living with diabetes and an additional 12 million with pre-diabetes underscore the urgency to address the issue.
The proposal to tax companies involved in the production of sweetened beverages is seen as a significant step towards generating revenue for the Nigerian healthcare system and alleviating the burden of these preventable health conditions.
The summit's discussions revolved around several key areas of impact, including health financing, good governance, leadership structure, public health initiatives, capacity building for pharmaceuticals, partnerships, technology integration, and most importantly, accountability.
Despite being the fourth-highest consuming soft drink market globally, Nigeria implemented the SSB tax two years ago, joining over 100 other countries.
However, the current tax rate of 10 naira per litre on SSB falls short of adequately covering the necessary bases for effective tax implementation.
With a visionary approach to healthcare, President Bola Tinubu's commitment to increasing the health sector's budget allocation by 10% and the advocacy to tax sugar-sweetened beverages are crucial steps towards building a robust and sustainable healthcare system for Nigeria.
These initiatives seek to improve the overall health and well-being of the nation and prevent the escalation of health issues caused by excessive sugar intake. By taking such proactive measures, the government aims to create a healthier and more prosperous future for all Nigerians.