All non-alcoholic, carbonated, and sweetened beverages now have a N10/litre excise levy imposed by the federal government, Minister of Finance, budget and National planning, Zainab Ahmed, made this announcement on Wednesday, January 5 in a public presentation of the 2022 Appropriation Act in Abuja.
The excise charge, according to Ahmed, was enacted in accordance with President Muhammadu Buhari’s Finance Act, which was signed into law on December 31, 2021.
She also mentioned that this would deter people from drinking too much sugary drinks, which can lead to diabetes and obesity, among other things.
“All non-alcoholic and sweetened beverages now have an excise levy of N10/per litre,” the Minister added.
“And this is to discourage excessive consumption of sugar in beverages which contributes to a number of health conditions including diabetes and obesity.
“But also used to raise excise duties and revenues for health-related and other critical expenditures.
“This is in line also with the 2022 budget priorities.”