By Innocent Anaba

Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa, CAPPA, and the National Sugar-sweetened Beverage Tax Coalition, have warned of the dangers of unbridled sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption, saying the SSB industry is increasingly undermining public health for profits.

The organisations, referencing research, accused the industry of promoting deliberately misleading narratives, clouding the public’s understanding of the true health implications associated with habitual consumption of their products.

They accused SSBs, including soda and fruit drinks of playing a role in the rising cases of obesity, diabetes and heart diseases and urged the government to check the problem by, among others, raising the Pro-health Policy (SSB tax) rate and passing it into law.

CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, who briefed newsmen, emphasised the importance of reinforcing the dangers of SSB consumption, the need for an immediate review of the tax, and a call for government’s stringent action on industry activities, as the festive period draws closer.

He said: “For years, the sugar-sweetened beverages industry has painted a picture of sugary drinks as innocent pleasures. But behind the vibrant colours and catchy jingles lies a grim reality. SSBs are laden with empty calories, fuelling a public health crisis of diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.

“The statistics are sobering. One in 10  Nigerians now live with diabetes, placing a crippling burden on individuals and Nigeria’s healthcare system,” Olufemi said.

He added that the manufacturing industry “actively targets children and youths, bombarding them with sugary advertising and social activities, normalizing unhealthy habits at a crucial stage in their development.

According to him, “The consequences are far-reaching as diabetes and its complications steal years of healthy life, erode productivity, and strain resources, leaving families shattered and futures uncertain.”

On his part,  a Public Health Consultant,  Dr. Francis Fagbule lamented that the industry has now become “Commercial determinants of health” in the country.

He said commercial determinants of health highlight the “influence that profit-oriented entities, particularly corporations and industries, have on shaping health-related behaviours and outcomes.

He said: “SSB industries often engage in lobbying activities to shape policies in their favour, resisting or diluting regulations such as SSB taxes or labelling requirements.

The industry also engages in campaigns that downplay or dismiss the health risks associated with SSB consumption, creating confusion among the public. This misinformation challenges individuals’ ability to make informed and healthy choices.”