Senator Ipalibo Banigo, who leads the Senate Committee on Health, Secondary and Tertiary Services, has called on the Federal Government to dedicate funds generated from the Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSB) Tax specifically toward primary healthcare and screening initiatives. She shared this recommendation in Abuja while meeting with a coalition of more than 80 professional and civil society organizations currently supporting the tax legislation.
During the visit, the coalition expressed gratitude to the senator for her legislative efforts and requested her influence to help secure passage of the bill within the House of Representatives. Senator Banigo emphasized that these tax proceeds must be ring-fenced to fight the rising prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases, noting that pooling the money with general government funds would be inappropriate. She argued that investing in health promotion and cancer screening is essential to ensure public support for the policy.
A former Deputy Governor of Rivers State and a medical practitioner, Banigo noted that the surge in obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke poses a significant threat to Nigerian families and the national economy. She reaffirmed that preventing illnesses is both more effective and affordable than providing treatment. The senator praised the coalition for their use of data-backed research throughout the public hearing process and promised that the Senate remains committed to finalizing the bill into law.
Akinbode Oluwafemi, representing Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, led the delegation and thanked the senator for her advocacy. He urged her to help facilitate communication with members of the House of Representatives to ensure the bill’s eventual success. The proposed legislation aims to curb the intake of sugary beverages while creating a sustainable funding source for healthcare improvements.