By John Alechenu, ABUJA
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Secondary and Tertiary Services, Senator Ipalibo Banigo, has urged the Federal Government to channel revenue from the proposed Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSB) Tax to primary healthcare and screening programmes.
Banigo made the call in Abuja on Thursday when she received members of a coalition of over 80 civil society and professional groups advocating the passage of the SSB Tax Bill.
The coalition visited the Senate to appreciate her efforts in advancing the bill through the upper chamber and to seek her support in ensuring its passage by the House of Representatives.
The senator argued that proceeds from the tax should be specifically allocated to addressing the growing burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), rather than being merged with general government revenue.
