A public health expert has sounded the alarm over the rising health dangers linked to the widespread consumption of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSBs) in Nigeria.
In an exclusive interview with alphanewsng, Abayomi Sarumi, Associate Director at Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), warned that the country is battling a silent epidemic of obesity, diabetes, and other diet-related illnesses, especially among youth.
“SSBs like sodas, fruit drinks, energy and sports drinks are loaded with added sugars — some containing up to 14 cubes per bottle, far beyond the daily recommended intake,” Sarumi explained. “These drinks lead to spikes in blood sugar, fatigue, weight gain, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.”
He revealed that SSBs are aggressively marketed, ultra-processed, and wrongly perceived as harmless daily staples. As of 2024, Nigerians consumed over 54 billion litres of sugary drinks, making the country one of Africa’s largest consumers.
This trend parallels rising fast food intake and sedentary lifestyles, contributing to a 150% increase in cardiovascular disease over the past decade, with over 27.5 million Nigerians now living with hypertension.
Sarumi emphasized that awareness is still low. “Many Nigerians don’t connect sugary drinks to long-term health issues. Some even receive poor medical advice to take sugary drinks before medication.”
He blames aggressive advertising, cultural beliefs, and corporate tactics for the popularity of SSBs, particularly among young people.
To curb the crisis, Sarumi advocates for a strong SSB tax that not only reduces consumption but also funds healthcare for those affected. He also calls for:
Clear warning labels
Limits on sugar content
Ban on celebrity endorsements of SSBs
Restrictions on marketing to children
“These policies will help protect public health and especially safeguard the younger generation,” he concluded.