A new warning has been issued about a popular Nigerian beverage ( Sugary Drinks ) habit that could be killing millions slowly. Discover the shocking data and the industry’s hidden role. Read full story now.
LAGOS, NIGERIA – While Nigerians sip on Sugary drinks in celebration, an invisible public health time bomb is ticking — and experts say it’s already detonating.
A staggering 54 billion litres of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) were consumed in Nigeria in 2024 alone, and according to public health authorities, this sweet addiction is fueling a national health emergency that is killing millions silently.
In an exclusive interview with DAILY POST, Abayomi Sarumi, Associate Director at Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), delivered a sobering warning: SSBs – including sodas, energy drinks, and fruit-flavored beverages – are directly linked to the skyrocketing cases of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and early death in Nigeria.
“These drinks are loaded with refined sugar – up to 14 cubes per bottle – far beyond the daily recommended limit,” Sarumi warned. “And the health damage they cause is irreversible for many.”
He revealed that noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and heart disease now account for over 30% of total deaths in Nigeria, with more than 27.5 million Nigerians already living with high blood pressure.
How Sugary Drinks “Sweet Poison” Became Normalized
Despite the dangers, sugary drinks are everywhere — in schools, supermarkets, religious gatherings, and TV screens.
“They’re aggressively marketed as symbols of happiness, youth, and success. But in reality, they are ultra-processed killers in a bottle,” Sarumi stated. “We’re witnessing a diet-related disease explosion across Nigeria.”
The situation is worsened by cultural ignorance and misinformation. “Some patients are even advised to take sugary drinks with their medications. And because of our cultural beliefs, many Nigerians blame spiritual attacks for their health problems instead of their diets,” he added.
Why the Youth Are the Biggest Targets of Sugary Drinks
Sarumi emphasized that the beverage industry specifically targets young Nigerians, exploiting their energy, curiosity, and love for trends. “These drinks are cheap, sweet, and everywhere. And when celebrities endorse them, it becomes impossible for youths to resist.”
He also slammed the corporate social responsibility tactics of soft drink companies. “They paint themselves as community-friendly, but behind the scenes, they’re flooding our society with addictive, harmful products.”
From 38 Million to 54 Billion Litres: The Rise of a Deadly Habit
“Nigeria was once the 4th largest consumer of SSBs in Africa with 38 million litres,” Sarumi said. “Now we’re at 54 billion litres — and still growing.”
This surge, he explained, comes hand-in-hand with increased fast food consumption, poor dietary habits, and a healthcare system ill-equipped to handle a generation of chronic disease patients.
The Way Forward: Tax, Warnings, and Regulation
To combat this silent killer, Sarumi proposed a comprehensive SSB tax, which would not only curb consumption but fund healthcare services and national education campaigns.
He also called for:
- Graphic warning labels on sugary drinks
- Limits on sugar and salt content in beverages
- Celebrity endorsement bans for SSBs
- Strict advertising controls, especially targeting children
“These measures will save lives. Without them, we’re looking at a generation of Nigerians dying before their time,” he said.
With the World Health Organization estimating that 22% of Nigerians risk early death from NCDs, the sugary drink crisis may already be beyond a warning stage — it’s now a national emergency.
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