NANS BLAME FG FOR IMPOSING EXCISE DUTY ON SOFT DRINKS

FG IS BLAMEED BY NANS FOR IMPOSING EXCISE DUTY ON SOFT DRINKS.

Nigerians have been condemned to further woes in the midst of Nigeria's high inflation rate, depleted foreign reserves, massive foreign debts, depressive standard of living, and frail economic strength of Nigerian citizens, as the Federal Government has chosen to deliberately pile more misery on the hapless citizens by imposing excise duty on carbonated drinks.

Rather than focusing on how to address the multiplicity of difficulties confronting the country, the Federal government has opted to burden already taxed Nigerians with yet another charge and another concern to worry about.

Nigerians now have no choice but to pay more for every one litre of bottled carbonated drink they buy, according to Minister of Finance, Budget, and National Planning Zainab Ahmed.

While it is obvious that the country has to enhance its Internally Generated Revenue, the approach chosen is absurd: imposing a levy on a product that is already taxed.

Minister of Finance, Budget, and National Planning Zainab Ahmed announced the charge earlier this week, claiming that it will "discourage excessive use of sugar in beverages, which contributes to a range of health issues including diabetes and obesity."

On paper, this appears to be worthwhile, but in practice, it appears to make little difference. If the Federal Government believes that this strategy would result in a reduction in the aforementioned diseases, it is not only hilarious and foolish, but it smacks of simple ignorance and ineptitude.

It is inconsistent with the spirit of fairness and directly contradicts what President Muhammadu Buhari promised Nigerians during his election campaign.