FG collecting N10 per litre tax on sugary drinks: Customs
President Muhammadu Buhari’s regime says it has begun the implementation of the N10 taxation per litre of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) to reduce non-communicable diseases.
Dennis Ituma, chief superintendent of customs at the department of excise, free trade zone and industrial incentives, announced this in an interactive session at a meeting in Abuja on Thursday.
The meeting was organised by the National Action on Sugar Reduction to proffer ways to implement tax and other interventions to reduce SSBs consumption in the country.
According to Mr Ituma, customs started taxing all companies producing SSBs from June 1.
“The N10 per litre of sugar-sweetened beverages has been implemented on June 1, by July 21, all excise duties must have been collected and paid into the federation account.
“It should interest you that taxation on SSBs was a policy of the federal government in 1984 but was stopped in January 2009,” the official explained.
He added, “Previously both SSBs, alcoholic drinks and tobacco were all taxed until 2009 when SSBs were removed from taxable beverages. Only alcoholic drinks and tobacco generate N414 billion. SSBs will further increase the revenue generated from drinks.”
On how customs would ensure that the companies are properly taxed, Mr Ituma said the service designated resident customs officers to all factories producing SSBs who take the measurements of all daily productions.
Mr Buhari’s regime approved the taxation of N10 per litre tax on SSBs last December.
A public health physician, Las Eze, called for a well defined policy framework that would support direct transfer of any money that accrues from this tax to health interventions.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
NationWide
Fire breaks out at MMIA, flight operations diverted to D-Wing
Mrs Orah said that efforts to ventilate the smoke from the building were in progress.
States
Alleged Money Laundering: Judge’s absence stalls ex-governor Fayose’s trial
The ex-governor’s trial will continue on the next adjourned date.
NationWide
Bonny-Bodo Road: FG dangles additional N20 billion before Julius Berger
“No contractor will dictate to this ministry.’’
Showbiz
NANTA engages 400 travel agents to market Badagry tourism sites
“This is our way of showcasing Lagos as a preferred tourist destination.’’
Education
UNICROSS alumni begin legal battle for governing council’s dissolution
The alumni accused the council of pressurising the finances of the institution.
States
Operation Safe Haven commander meets Plateau stakeholders over insecurity
The commander said that the meeting was to address the latest security concerns in some parts of the state.