Sugary Drinks Linked to Rising Deaths and Chronic Illnesses in Nigeria, Expert Cautions

A leading public health advocate has raised the alarm about the growing health dangers linked to the rising intake of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSBs) in Nigeria.

The expert emphasized that Nigeria is experiencing a troubling surge in obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other nutrition-related illnesses.

In an exclusive conversation with LMSINT MEDIA, Abayomi Sarumi, Associate Director at Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), revealed that the common consumption of sugary soft drinks is silently contributing to a national health crisis—particularly affecting the youth population.

“Sugar-Sweetened Beverages are any drinks that contain added sugars such as high-fructose corn syrup, table sugar, honey, or molasses,” Sarumi clarified.

These drinks include sodas, fruit-flavored beverages, energy drinks, and sports drinks, all of which are heavily loaded with sugar and far exceed the body’s energy needs.

Sarumi warned that a single bottle of these sugary drinks contains up to 14 cubes of sugar, far beyond the daily limit advised by medical professionals.

“This excessive sugar intake leads to spikes and crashes in blood sugar, which can trigger fatigue, irritability, and over time, serious conditions like heart disorders, obesity, and diabetes,” he noted.

He stressed that these health complications are major risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which now account for over 30% of annual deaths in Nigeria.

Sarumi also expressed concern about how widely accessible and aggressively marketed these beverages are, noting that many people see them as part of everyday life.

“They are ultra-processed and often misrepresented as essential lifestyle choices. The marketing strategies used by these brands have normalized consumption, making people overlook the actual health risks,” he explained.

Over 54 Billion Litres of Sugary Drinks Consumed Annually

Using available data, Sarumi stated that Nigeria has become one of Africa’s top consumers of sugary beverages.

“Nigeria was previously ranked fourth in Africa with 38 million litres of sugary beverages consumed. But by April 2025, new reports revealed that over 54 billion litres were consumed in 2024 alone,” he stated.

This drastic rise correlates with an increase in fast food and ultra-processed snack consumption—fueling what he termed a “nutrition-related disease explosion.”

“There has been a 150% increase in cardiovascular conditions over the past 10 years. As of 2022, over 27.5 million Nigerians suffer from high blood pressure. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 22% of Nigerians now face a high risk of early death due to non-communicable diseases,” Sarumi added.

Public Awareness Still Limited

Although some individuals understand that sugar can be harmful, Sarumi believes the majority of Nigerians don’t grasp the serious link between sugary drinks and long-term health complications.

“From our findings, most people don’t truly comprehend how damaging SSBs are,” he said.

He also mentioned that myths and inaccurate advice further complicate public understanding.

“There are still instances where patients are advised by healthcare workers to consume sugary drinks before medication. In our culture, health conditions like diabetes or heart disease are often perceived as spiritual attacks rather than linked to poor diets.”

Why Sugary Beverages Appeal to Young Nigerians

Sarumi attributed the popularity of sugary drinks among young Nigerians to the aggressive marketing tactics of beverage companies.

“These products are inexpensive, available everywhere, and portrayed as symbols of fun and status. Unfortunately, they come without any health warnings,” he explained.

“Moreover, these corporations use Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs to appear socially responsible, which makes it harder for the public to question their role in worsening public health,” he added.

A Call to Action

To cut down consumption, Sarumi endorsed the enforcement of a comprehensive Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax, stressing that it should serve more than a revenue purpose.

“An effective SSB tax should not only lower consumption but also channel funds into the healthcare sector, particularly for individuals affected by nutrition-related diseases,” he said.

He also recommended several complementary policies:

• Clear, visible warning labels on sugary products
• Limits on sugar and salt content in beverages
• Prohibition of celebrity endorsements for sugary drinks
• Restrictions on child-targeted advertising

“Implementing these strategies collectively will safeguard Nigerian lives, especially children, and enhance public health nationwide,” Sarumi concluded.