Tue, 23 Jun 2026 Kyiv 13:49Berlin 12:49London 11:49 UKR / DE / EN

Nigeria’s Sugar Tax Loses Bite to Inflation

Nigeria's tax on sugary drinks, introduced in 2021 to curb rising diabetes rates, is losing its effectiveness as high inflation erodes its real impact on consumers, Deutsche Welle reports. Experts are calling for higher rates and structural reforms.

Nigeria’s Sugar Tax Loses Bite to Inflation
Photo: static.dw.com

The tax on sugary drinks, introduced in Nigeria in 2021, was meant to reduce consumption and slow rising diabetes rates. But persistently high inflation has diminished the real burden on consumers, largely nullifying the tax’s steering effect.

According to experts, the tax rate is too low to noticeably influence purchasing behavior. They are calling for an increase in the levy as well as structural reforms to more effectively protect public health.

Source: www.dw.com