The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprises, CPPE, has urged the Nigerian government to reject the proposal to impose an additional tax on sugar-sweetened beverages in Nigeria.
CPPE executive director, Dr. Muda Yusuf, made the call in a statement on Tuesday.
The economic think-tank’s call comes amid a proposal by Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, CAPPA, on SSB tax on the grounds of health.
However, CPPE said the proposal is ill-conceived and poorly timed, noting that the Nigerian economy is navigating a fragile recovery.
According to CPPE, the imposition of additional SSB tax would be counterproductive to the manufacturing sector.
“The proposal for additional taxation on sugar-sweetened beverages is misaligned with Nigeria’s current economic realities, inconsistent with ongoing tax reforms, and particularly unjustifiable given the extraordinary energy cost pressures confronting the industry.
“The National Assembly to discontinue any legislative consideration of such a tax and public health authorities to prioritize education, prevention, and lifestyle interventions
“At this critical stage of Nigeria’s economic recovery, the policy imperative should be to support businesses, protect jobs, and strengthen growth—not impose additional tax burdens on an already strained sector,” CPPE stated.
