![Hon. Festus Keyamo SAN arrives MMIA past 11:50 p.m. Feb 23 to lead oversight of Terminal 1 fire. Joined FAAN MD & team actively managing situation. Directed morning inspection Tuesday to guide restoration & confirm safety standards. Reaffirmed focus on passenger safety. Story: [link] #KeyamoMMIA #FireIncident #FAAN](https://fullcliphq.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/mym-150x150.jpg "MMIA Fire: Keyamo Inspects Lagos Airport After Terminal 1 Blaze Disrupts Flights")
The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged governments worldwide to sharply increase taxes on sugary drinks and alcoholic beverages, warning that low tax rates have kept these products affordable and fueled rising rates of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancers, and injuries, particularly among children and young adults.
In two new reports, WHO highlighted that while 116 countries currently tax sugary drinks, the median levy adds only about 2% to the price of a soda, leaving many high-sugar products — such as fruit juices, sweetened milk drinks, and ready-to-drink coffees and teas — untaxed. On alcohol, 167 countries impose taxes and 12 ban alcohol entirely, yet affordability has remained stable or increased since 2022 because taxes have not kept pace with inflation or income growth. Notably, wine remains untaxed in at least 25 countries, mostly in Europe.
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said:
“Health taxes are one of the strongest tools we have for promoting health and preventing disease. By increasing taxes on products like tobacco, sugary drinks, and alcohol, governments can reduce harmful consumption and unlock funds for vital health services.”
Success Stories:
- The UK’s sugary drinks levy (2018) reduced sugar intake and raised £338 million in 2024.
- Mexico, South Africa, and Saudi Arabia have seen consumption fall and health outcomes improve after introducing similar taxes.
The Global Campaign:
WHO launched the “3 by 35” campaign, aiming to raise the real prices of tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks by at least 50% by 2035, both to protect public health and to generate revenue for strained health systems.
Nigeria Context:
Nigeria’s current N10 per litre soft drink tax is widely criticized as ineffective against rising obesity and non-communicable diseases. The WHO call has sparked debate: supporters argue higher taxes could provide much-needed healthcare funding, while critics warn of regressive impacts on low-income households and possible shifts to unregulated markets.
The reports highlight WHO’s push for fiscal measures as a cornerstone of global health policy, positioning taxation not only as a deterrent to harmful consumption but also as a sustainable revenue stream for governments.
