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CAPPA LAUNCHES ‘SWEET POISON’ DOCUMENTARY ON RISKS OF SUGAR-SWEETENED BEVERAGES IN NIGERIA
By Prince Benson Davies
Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa has released a new documentary titled Sweet Poison, spotlighting the health and environmental impact of sugar-sweetened beverages in Nigeria. The 20-minute film examines how widespread consumption of SSBs is contributing to the rise in non-communicable diseases and environmental harm.
CAPPA unveiled the documentary at a media presentation in Lagos on Wednesday, stating that it explores how ultra-processed food and beverage companies have embedded sugary drinks into daily life through aggressive marketing and extensive distribution. The group said the practice has created significant public health risks that are often overlooked.
The organisation warned that as these beverages become common in homes, schools and workplaces, Nigeria is seeing a steady increase in diet-related conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, obesity and heart disease. The documentary connects these trends to weak regulatory controls and limited public awareness.
Sweet Poison combines expert commentary with personal accounts and field visuals. It features input from policymakers, doctors, patients living with NCDs, traders, fishermen and university students, offering a broad view of the crisis. The film also addresses the environmental burden of the beverage industry, including plastic waste and resource-intensive production.
CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, said the project was designed to link medical evidence with real-life experiences. “The documentary shows how dependence on sugary drinks is gradually reshaping Nigeria’s health profile,” he stated, adding that youth engagement in policy advocacy is a central part of CAPPA’s response.
A key focus of the film is the effectiveness of Nigeria’s current SSB tax. Introduced in the Finance Act 2021, the policy imposes a N10 per litre excise duty on non-alcoholic sweetened and carbonated drinks. CAPPA argues that the rate and structure have done little to reduce consumption or curb industry practices, and is calling for a review.
The group is advocating for an excise tax of at least 20 percent of the retail price, with a preferred target of 50 percent, and for part of the revenue to be directed toward public health programmes. Oluwafemi said stronger fiscal measures are needed as NCD cases and healthcare costs rise.
The screening was attended by medical professionals, advocacy leaders and media representatives, including Dr. Saheed Balogun of the Nigeria Medical Association Lagos, diabetes advocate Ronke Opaleye, and Dr. Leslie Adogame of Stradev Nigeria.
Sweet Poison premiered on TVC News on 5 May 2026 and is now available across multiple platforms. The documentary can also be viewed on CAPPA’s official YouTube channel and social media pages. CAPPA said the film is intended to prompt policy action and public debate as Nigeria confronts the growing burden of preventable diseases linked to diet and lifestyle.
