Nigeria Health Advocates Push for Stronger Tobacco and Alcohol Taxes

Health advocates, including Africa CAPPA, support Nigeria's new tax policy, urging stronger excise taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks to boost health financing. The Presidential Fiscal Policy Tax Reforms Committee Chairman, Taiwo Oyedele, revealed the finalized draft policy aimed at channeling revenue into public health.

CAPPA sees this as a crucial step to address Nigeria's increasing health challenges, with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) linked to excessive consumption of unhealthy products. The move is seen as a significant opportunity to establish sustainable healthcare funding and protect citizens' health.

CAPPA commended the government's commitment to tackling NCDs, emphasizing the urgent need to curb the rising health burden in the country.