Nigeria diabetes emergency call intensifies as CAPPA backs DAN, urging higher SSB tax and stronger food policies to tackle rising deaths

Nigeria diabetes emergency concerns intensified on Friday as Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa threw its weight behind the Diabetes Association of Nigeria in calling for an official declaration of a national emergency on diabetes care.

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The groups are also urging the Federal Government to increase the sugar-sweetened beverages tax and adopt stronger healthy-food regulations to slow the rising tide of noncommunicable diseases.

CAPPA issued its position while the world marked World Diabetes Day, describing as alarming a recent disclosure by DAN that an estimated 30,000 Nigerians die from diabetes each year and as many as 11.4 million are currently living with the illness.

This figure far exceeds the International Diabetes Federation’s estimate of about 2.99 million adults living with diabetes in Nigeria.

The non-governmental organisation expressed deep concern that diabetes management now costs between N100,000 and N120,000 per month, a burden it says has made proper care unattainable for many patients and life-threatening for families already strained by the harsh economic climate.

CAPPA said this reflected the broader crisis within Nigeria’s public health system and contributed to the country’s position as having the lowest life expectancy globally, according to the latest UN health report.

Executive Director of CAPPA, Akinbode Oluwafemi, said the situation demands bold policy action targeting unhealthy diets, particularly high consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and ultra-processed foods.

He warned that without decisive intervention, Nigeria risks condemning entire generations to early onset diabetes, cardiovascular disease and preventable deaths.

Oluwafemi said CAPPA fully supports DAN’s appeal for a state of emergency on diabetes care and a significant upward review of the SSB tax, insisting that proceeds must be invested directly into strengthening the health sector.

He argued that aggressive marketing and easy access to sugary drinks are driving Nigeria’s noncommunicable disease burden, while current policies remain insufficient to protect vulnerable populations.

The statement stressed that effective tools such as higher SSB taxes, sodium reduction targets, mandatory front-of-pack labelling and restrictions on marketing ultra-processed foods to children have proven successful globally.

CAPPA added that prevention measures must go hand in hand with a capable health system that can support millions already diagnosed.

Oluwafemi welcomed the Federal Government’s ongoing initiative to channel revenues from taxes on tobacco, alcohol and harmful products into health financing.

He said dedicating these funds specifically to NCD prevention and management could provide sustainable support at a time when treatment costs are pushing families into deeper poverty.

CAPPA reiterated its push for an SSB tax of at least N130 per litre and mandatory front-of-pack nutrition labels, insisting these measures would reduce consumption, encourage reformulation and empower consumers to make healthier choices.

The group said these policies would also help shield Nigerians from the aggressive influence of global food and beverage companies.

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This year’s World Diabetes Day, themed “Diabetes across life stages,” highlights the lifelong impact of the disease, including its serious risks during pregnancy.

Source: Read more at freelanews.com