Taxation on unhealthy substances is a step towards healthier living

This is a piece of NEWS I have been waiting all my life, yet it feels impossible. Despite the well-known dangers of unhealthy consumable substances such as cigarettes, sugar, and alcoholic drinks, their production and consumption continue to be unstoppable. It is so disheartening to witness both the youth and the elderly succumbing to drug addiction, many seem to smoke indefinitely without concern. It is as if Alcohol consumption has become a normalized behavior in Nigeria, without age restrictions.

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Imagine if the government implemented taxes on these harmful products, wouldn't that stop consumption? Such a tax could potentially reduce the death rate associated with these substances. Just last month, a 40-year-old man lost his life to liver disease, having ignored his doctor’s warnings to stop consuming energy drinks that were damaging his liver. Despite his wife's concerns, he remained addicted and consumed four to five energy drinks a day, ultimately leading to his demise. If there had been a tax on these drinks, he might have reconsidered his choices. The government must impose a tax on all beverages, whether soft or hard👌

Consider our teenagers, drug use among them is rampant, with concerning incidents occurring within the school system. It has become alarming to see children as young as ten smoking weed in all manners; there's a disaster waiting to happen if the government does not take swift action to address these issues. I weep for many who are already addicted.

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During my time in the hostel, I encountered a neighbor who was utterly dependent on hard drugs. Ify is his name, he admitted that he would rather spend his money on drugs than on food. His statement that hard drugs were his "girlfriend" shocked us; he had cut off communication with everyone around him, relying on these substances as his lifeline. I felt pity for him, but he seemed to possess no self-compassion. Now, Ify is in serious danger.

Despite the rising food prices, the public is crying out loud, beer parlors remain filled up to the brim, and that's because they are cheap. Just recently, I learned that a beer now costs #600. Should one choose to enjoy four beers, that would amount to #2400 each day, multiplied by 30 days, which totals an exorbitant amount! Many addicts will prioritize their spending on alcohol, even resorting to begging on the street
to take care of their habits, while those who refrain from such activities are left to suffer.

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Ultimately, health is wealth, but far too many people are leading reckless lives. The imposition of taxes on these harmful products could discourage excessive consumption and promote healthier choices. Is this not a sensible move? I firmly believe it would be, and it would bring me joy to witness the enactment of such a law, most especially in my dear country.

I'm still in surprise to see the slogan written boldly on the back of cigarettes, which states: ** Smokers are liable to die young**. My people, why will I continue to consume what can kill me?

This post is in response to the #hivelearners weekly prompts on the topic: HEALTHY TAX.