A coalition of Nigerian health advocates is calling on the Federal Government to implement a modern national alcohol law and raise taxes on alcoholic beverages. According to a report published by AllAfrica, the authors argue these measures are critical to protecting public health, reducing economic burdens, and funding the new National Alcohol Policy. The group, including representatives from Movendi International and the Association of Advocates Against Alcohol Harm in Nigeria, asserts current policies fail to curb alcohol’s negative impacts on families and the economy.
The report highlights that while three in four Nigerian adults live alcohol-free, one in five households experiences alcohol-related violence or loss. The number of alcohol-related road deaths has tripled since 1990, with four in five victims under 70. These harms impose significant costs through hospital admissions and lost productivity. The advocates note the industry promotes ultra-cheap products, contributing to these outcomes despite the majority abstaining.
A key focus is the disparity between Nigeria’s tax rates and those of West African neighbours. The authors cite the World Bank’s Nigeria Development Update, indicating Nigeria’s pro-health taxes are among the region’s lowest. Beer is taxed at approximately five US cents per litre, compared to US$2.20 in the Gambia. Because Nigeria’s rates are fixed in naira, inflation erodes their value, subsidising multinational corporations at the expense of communities. The report argues raising taxes is the most cost-effective way to reduce consumption among high-risk groups.
Advocates propose ring-fencing increased revenue to fund prevention, treatment, and primary healthcare. They reference Botswana, the Philippines, and Thailand, where levies reduced crashes, expanded insurance, and funded health promotion. The report calls for a 2 percent surcharge on alcohol excise revenue dedicated to these purposes with transparent reporting. Additionally, they urge a national alcohol act to anchor taxes in legislation and prevent industry interference. Alcohol companies currently sit on the policy’s governance body, creating conflicts of interest. The group concludes these steps are necessary to turn policy promises into tangible health benefits.