By Deji Abdulwahab

Some Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) have called on the Federal Government to increase
Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSBs) tax to 20 per cent of the final retail price to reduce sugar consumption and NonCommunicable Diseases (NCDs).

The Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Tax Coalition and Corporate and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) gave the advice on Wednesday at a news conference in Abuja.

The Executive Director of CAPPA, Mr Akinbode Oluwafemi, recalled that in 2021, the Federal Government imposed a N10 per litre Excise Duty on SSBs, adding that the current N10/litre was insignificant and it needed to be reviewed upward.

Oluwafemi said that the tax must be immediately increase to a minimum of 20 per cent of the final retail price of SSBs to achieve the desired impact of reduction in consumption and decrease in NCDs.

“SSBs, popularly called Soft Drinks, have been confirmed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other national and international health bodies, to have hard-hitting impact on health, social, economic, and environmental wellbeing of consumers and our communities.

“The tax covers different categories of sugar-sweetened non-alcoholic beverages and implementation began in June 2022.

“Tax is effective in reducing consumption of SSBs in all the countries of the World where they have been effectively introduced and managed,” group’s chief said.

According to him, it has also helped to improve public health indices while also reducing some of the environmental problems caused by the indiscriminate disposal of SSB product packages.

“While we say that the aim is to reduce overconsumption, we must reiterate that these beverages are non-nutritive and have no use in the body. Hence, can be totally avoided for the good of everyone.

“Interestingly, manufacturers of these unhealthy products through various front and ally groups have continued to blackmail the government with their heavy media campaign of misinformation and threat to the federal government.

“They have also constantly attacked civil society groups working to ensure that Nigeria institute effective food policies that will reduce diet-related diseases in the country,” he said.

Also speaking, Dr Francis Fagbule, Public Consultant, University College Hospital, University of Ibadan, said excess sugar consumption, especially from SSBs had been consistently linked to the rising trend in noncommunicable diseases.

Fagbule added that these included heart disease, diabetes, and cancers which were key risk factors of morbidity and mortality.

Health consultant, who described taxation as a tool measure, said it would increase the price of SSBs and reduce demand for the products.

“Sugar-sweetened beverages such as soda and soft drinks as well as energy drinks and sweetened water have no nutritional value.

“Effective SSB tax has the potential to promote a shift to consumption of safe drinking water among the people and incentivise non-price industry responses,” he said.

Fagbule said human body required the consumption between five and nine cubes of sugar, adding that 50CL of a soft drink contained 14 cubes which was unhealthy to the body. (NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

By Constance Athekame

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA), says it has successfully deployed 103 mini grids across the country under the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP).

The agency said that the project which was being funded by the World Bank had made a significant milestone in its Solar Hybrid Mini-grid component.

The Managing Director of REA, Mr Salihijo Ahmad said this while speaking at the 10th Mini Grid Roundtable discussion, held virtually on Wednesday in Abuja in conjunction with some developers.

“The REA has successfully deployed 103 mini-grids across Nigeria under the Performance Based Grant (PBG) subcomponent of the NEP.

“This signals a crucial advancement in enhancing electricity access for households, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

“As well as public facilities in rural and underserved regions of the country,” he said.

Ahmad expressed the agency’s commitment to bridging the energy access gap in Nigeria, adding that the REA was established with the mandate to increase access to electricity by bridging the energy access deficit in Nigeria.

He said that since inception, REA had made significant progress in achieving this goal.

“The agency is implementing various electrification programmes including the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP).

“Targeted at creating lasting impact by fostering economic growth, improving education, and enhancing the overall quality of life of Nigerians.

“One of the key strategies that we are using to achieve this goal is the PBG sub-component.

“The PBG is a financing mechanism that provides grants to qualified developers to construct and operate mini-grids in rural communities,” he said.

Ahmad said that the PBG had been very successful in attracting private sector investments in mini-grids through the NEP.

According to him, more than 80 mini-grids have been completed and commissioned, connecting about 32,000 households, MSMEs, and public facilities, and providing clean and reliable electricity.

“The Solar Hybrid mini-grid component has witnessed remarkable success, with a total of 46,661 verified connections made to households, MSMEs, and public facilities.

“Each connection is a step toward bridging the energy gap and fostering economic development.

“An additional 281,578 connections are in progress, poised to further expand the project’s impact and reach,’’ he said.

Also speaking Abba Aliyu, REA,s Head of Project Management Unit of the NEP expressed his satisfaction at the accomplishment.

“We are pleased to announce that we have successfully completed and commissioned 103 mini-grids as part of the NEP initiative.

“This achievement underscores our commitment to providing reliable and sustainable energy solutions to communities that have long been underserved,” he said.

According to him, REA goal has always been to empower communities with electricity and the 103 mini-grids represent brighter future, improved livelihoods, and opportunities for growth.

He said that the initiative had impacted more than 230,000 people across the country leading to positive changes in their daily routines, economic activities, and overall quality of life.

“The installation of 5.8 Mega Watts (MW) of photovoltaic (PV) capacity underscores REA’s commitment to harnessing renewable energy sources for sustainable power solutions.

“As the REA continues its efforts, the successful deployment of 103 mini-grids stands as a testament to the project’s dedication to creating a brighter and more electrified future for communities throughout Nigeria,” he said. (NAN)(www.nanews.ng)

===========
Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

By Kelechi Ogunleye

The Minister of Budget and Economic Plannig, Atiku Bagudu, says the present administration will strive to achieve double digit economic growth.

Bagudu said this in his maiden address on assumption of office  on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to him, double digit economic growth has been the goal of President Bola Tinubu, as it will be inclusive to every part of the country.

“The president has always been emphatic that if other countries have done it, why not us, why not a double digit growth, why not inclusion for all, an economy that promotes and rewards competition and efforts.

“We have seen bold and courageous actions in order to reposition Nigeria and he has placed an institutional arrangement that he believes will lead Nigeria to have sustained double digit growth.

“This will enable us achieve our economic objectives at which the ministry is central to the government achieving it,” he said.

He said that the merger of the functions of the national Planning Commission and the budget office of the federation under the ministry of Budget and Economic Planning was a major policy change introduced by the president.

Bagudu said the framework for coordinated planning and budgeting roles within the ministry was to develop appropriate institutional framework to effectively operationalise them.

The minister said that this would be done through harmonisation of planning frameworks,  alignment and prioritisation of medium term development plans.

“Presidential priorities and targets campaign manifesto with sector medium term and strategic reports that are in sync with sustainable development goals,” he said.

Bagudu said that there was the need to prioritise and conceptualise on how to promote Nigeria.

He said that he would adopt an open door policy, stating that the ministry was an institution of knowledge that could do better through exchange of ideas. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Ese E. Eniola Williams

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice President, Kashim Shettima says President Bola Tinubu is committed on empowering Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for the development of the nation’s economy.

Mr Olusola Abiola, Director Information Office of the Vice President, in a statement on Tuesday, said Shettima stated this in an interview with newsmen during his tour of exhibition stands at the ongoing BRICS Trade Fair in South Africa.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) BRICS, is an acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, is a group of five major emerging and developing economies.

He noted that empowerment of the MSMEs was key to empowering the youth and women towards contributing to the nation’s economic development.

” President Bola Tinubu is a very compassionate leader and in the coming months, there will be changes in the fortunes of Nigeria.”

Shettima commended the organiser’s of the trade fair which had about 180 exhibitors from various sectors of the economy.

The vice president stressed that the exhibitions would in the long run serve the purpose of galvanising investment and trade in the continent.

Shettima, who took time to inspect Nigeria’s exhibitions appreciated the investments of Nigerians in South Africa.

” I am quite impressed by the investment Nigerians are making in South Africa. This is the harbinger of greater things to come.

” I can say that Nigerians are active in digital economy, they are active in fashion, they are equally active in mining,

“I am quite glad that quite a number of our country men are doing well and are willing to partner with the home nation for the greater glory of the African continent.”

He praised the Rose Bank, a Nigerian investment outfit in South Africa for the funding of a cassava project worth N40 billion.

” It is game a changer with the cassava value chain with its huge economic benefits. We hope that it will be reflected in other parts of the country.”

The Trade Fair is being organised by the BRIC South Africa and The SA BRICS Business Council (SABBC) in collaboration with the Department of Trade Industry and Competition, on the sidelines of the on-going 15th BRICS Summit.

The exhibition is expected to serves as a platform for showcasing products and services from the BRICS countries as well as business-to-business interaction aimed at increasing intra-BRICS trade and investments.

Shettima was accompanied to the Trade Fair by Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Amb. Muhammad Manta, the Consul-General, Amb. Andrew Idi and other senior government officials. (NAN)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi