The Federal Government is moving to accelerate health tax reforms as part of efforts to strengthen sustainable healthcare financing and tackle the rising burden of non-communicable diseases in Nigeria.
The Director-General of the National Health Insurance Authority, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, said the reform would require collaboration among the health and finance sectors, lawmakers, private organisations, civil society and other stakeholders.
He disclosed that the Senate has passed the Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Tax Bill, which is awaiting concurrence by the House of Representatives. Proposed reforms are expected to strengthen the existing framework and direct part of the revenue towards health promotion, disease prevention and primary healthcare.
Stakeholders also highlighted the potential of health taxes on products such as sugar-sweetened beverages, tobacco and alcohol to discourage harmful consumption while generating additional funding for healthcare.
