1.5 Million Jobs at Risk from Nigeria's CETA Bill

A report by ThinkBusiness Africa warns that approximately 1.5 million jobs in Nigeria's beverage sector could be jeopardized by the proposed Customs, Excise and Tariff Amendment (CETA) Bill, which was passed by the Senate on June 4, 2026, and is pending review by the House of Representatives. The bill aims to replace the existing N10-per-litre excise duty on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) with a levy based on retail prices, determined by the Minister of Finance.

This change is expected to significantly increase the tax burden on beverages, potentially raising retail prices and production costs across the entire value chain, including manufacturing and agriculture. The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) estimates that around 1.5 million jobs are dependent on this sector.

The report also cites a decline in sugar consumption and production from 2022 to 2023. ThinkBusiness Africa calls for a comprehensive impact assessment before the bill's implementation and suggests non-tax interventions to support public health.