FG introduces N10 per litre excise duty on soft drinks

The Nigerian government on Wednesday introduced an excise duty of N10 per litre on all non-alcoholic, carbonated and sweetened beverages commonly referred to as soft drinks.

Zainab Ahmed, Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning made the disclosure during a public presentation of the 2022 Appropriation Act in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

Ahmed said the excise duty was introduced in line with the Finance Act passed by the National Assembly and signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari on December 31, 2021.

She also added that this might discourage excessive consumption of sugary beverages which contributes to diabetes, obesity among others.

The excise duty is expected to encourage healthy living amongst Nigerians who have struggled with obesity and diabetes.