By As the world commemorates World Obesity Day (WOD), the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has renewed its call for stronger policies to promote healthy diets and curb rising obesity rates and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Nigeria.
In a statement on Tuesday, CAPPA highlighted alarming global obesity trends, urging urgent measures to reduce Nigerians’ consumption of sugary drinks, a known driver of obesity.
The organization specifically advocated for an increase in the Sugar-Sweetened Beverage (SSB) Tax from the current N10 per litre to N130 per litre, or alternatively, setting it at no less than 20% of the retail price.
World Obesity Day, observed every March 4, promotes solutions for achieving and maintaining healthy weight. This year’s theme, “Changing Systems, Healthier Lives,” calls for sweeping reforms across food systems, healthcare, governments, media, workplaces, and communities to tackle the root causes of obesity.
Akinbode Oluwafemi, Executive Director of CAPPA, emphasized the urgency of action, citing data from the World Obesity Federation (WOF). According to WOF, by 2035, 1.9 billion people — one in four globally — will be living with obesity, with economic costs projected to hit $4.32 trillion. Even more alarming, childhood obesity is set to double between 2020 and 2035.
Oluwafemi expressed concern over Nigeria’s growing obesity rates, warning that a country once seen as relatively immune to obesity epidemics is now facing a serious public health challenge.
