By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
RISING OBESITY rates in Nigeria have rekindle concerns over unhealthy diets and the increasing burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
Thus, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has called for urgent policy changes to curb excessive consumption of sugary drinks, warning that obesity is reaching alarming levels nationwide.
The advocacy group, in a statement on Tuesday, 4 March 2025, urged the federal government to raise the Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSB) Tax from N10 to N130 per litre, or at least 20 per cent of the retail price.
CAPPA argued that this policy shift would deter Nigerians from excessive sugar consumption, a major contributor to obesity and related illnesses.
World Obesity Day, observed annually on 4 March, promotes solutions for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
This year’s theme, “Changing Systems, Healthier Lives,” underscores the role of systemic factors—including food production, healthcare services, government policies, media influence, and workplace environments—in shaping dietary habits.
CAPPA Executive Director Akinbode Oluwafemi stressed that global and local statistics paint a grim picture.
According to the World Obesity Federation (WOF), obesity could affect 1.9 billion people by 2035, doubling economic costs to $4.32 trillion.
Worse still, childhood obesity rates are projected to increase by 100 per cent between 2020 and 2035.
“The alarming rate of obesity is no longer confined to wealthy nations; it is now a major health challenge in low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria,” Oluwafemi stated.
He cited data from the National Library of Medicine, which reported that by 2020, over 21 million Nigerians aged 15 and above were overweight, while 12 million were obese.
He said the age-adjusted prevalence rates stood at 20 per cent and 12 per cent, respectively.
The advocacy group also accused multinational food corporations of aggressively marketing ultra-processed products to Nigerian consumers, particularly children and young adults.
These products, CAPPA warned, are replacing indigenous, nutritious diets and increasing health risks.
Oluwafemi highlighted the economic impact of rising obesity rates, noting that healthcare costs linked to obesity-related diseases are draining the country’s workforce and productivity.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), obese children face higher risks of developing type 2 diabetes, hypertension, respiratory disorders, sleep disturbances, and liver disease. Furthermore, childhood obesity often leads to adult obesity, premature deaths, and lifelong disabilities.
“Addressing obesity is a vital step toward reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases in Nigeria,” Oluwafemi added.
“This is why we are advocating for an increased SSB tax—this pro-health levy will discourage excessive sugar intake and fund critical healthcare initiatives,” he affirmed.
CAPPA further urged policymakers to take decisive action against the unchecked proliferation of unhealthy food products in the Nigerian market.
The organisation strongly called for stricter regulations, public health campaigns, and systemic changes that promote healthier lifestyles and food choices.
