The Healthcare Federation of Nigeria (HFN) has applauded the passage of a pro-health tax reform bill by the Nigerian Senate, describing the development as a landmark step towards strengthening sustainable healthcare financing and advancing better health outcomes for Nigerians.
The top private healthcare group, in a statement provided to BusinessDay, lauded Ipalibo Harry Banigo, chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, for sponsoring and championing the legislation, as well as the leadership and members of the Senate for advancing a reform that aligns fiscal policy with public health priorities.
The Customs, Excise Tariff, Etc. (Consolidation) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025 introduces a shift from a fixed rate on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) to a percentage-based tax system. It also provides a legal framework for a percentage of the SSB tax generated to be channelled specifically to healthcare, instead of being lumped into the general federation account.
Njide Ndili, president of the association said the bill marks a key milestone for Nigeria’s health sector and for the broader goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage. “For many years, HFN and numerous public health stakeholders have advocated not only for the introduction of pro-health taxes, but also for the strategic allocation of the revenues generated from these taxes towards strengthening healthcare delivery, expanding health coverage and protecting vulnerable populations. We commend Senator Banigo and the Senate for advancing a reform that recognizes the important connection between fiscal policy and public health,” she said.
