- The Diabetes Association of Nigeria urged the government to reinstate the tax on sugary beverages, using revenue to support diabetes patients
- Approximately 14 million Nigerians live with diabetes, facing high medication costs, highlighting the need for government intervention and financial support
The Diabetes Association of Nigeria (DAN) has urged the federal government to reinstate the suspended tax on sweetened beverages and allocate the revenue to support diabetes patients.
During a free pre-diabetes screening and sensitization event in Abuja, organized in collaboration with the Gatefield Foundation, Dr. Mansur Ramalan, DAN’s 1st Vice President, highlighted the struggles faced by diabetic Nigerians.
“About 14 million Nigerians live with diabetes, and the high cost of medications has made treatment challenging,” Dr. Ramalan stated.
He explained that the previous administration’s taxation on sugary beverages was halted in February 2024.
“We want the government to resume the tax deductions and use the funds directly to benefit patients. Many are struggling because diabetes medications are extremely expensive,” he emphasized.
Dr. Ramalan noted that approximately six percent of Nigeria’s population is diabetic, which equates to 12 to 14 million people when projected against the country’s estimated population of 230 to 240 million.
Benard Enyia, co-chair of the National Action on Sugar Reduction Coalition and a Type 2 diabetes patient, advocated for government intervention. He pointed out the heavy financial burden of diabetes management and called for immediate action to ease the situation.
The association reiterated the importance of using revenue from sweetened beverage taxation to improve healthcare access for diabetes patients nationwide.
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