The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, recently announced the Federal Government’s plan to introduce N10 per litre tax on carbonated drinks as a move to discourage excessive consumption of sugar in sugar which she said contributed to a number of health conditions such as diabetes and obesity.
In a statement on Monday, the Coordinator of NANS in South-West zone, Olatunji Adegboye, condemned the plan that imposing tax on soft drinks was not a way diabetes and other health-related ailment associated with consumption of sweetened beverages could be stopped.
Adegboye argued that the introduction of additional duty on the already taxed products showed the government was insensitive and was bereft of ideas to drive its internally generated revenue.
The students’ body described the planned duty as a deliberate attempt by the Federal Government to pile more miseries on the hapless citizens.
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NANS suggested that President Muhammadu Buhari should look at how to reduce the cost of governance to free more funds for development instead of adding to the economic hardship Nigerians were being made to suffer through the planned duty.
The student’s body further stated that an administration whose major source of finance is foreign loan would be expected to remove redundant appointees and underperforming ministers who have done nothing but eating national resources.
“Holistic means to reduce the cost of governance should also be proffered, adopted and implemented.” NANS stated.
