LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- A new documentary released by Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has exposed the dangers of sugary drinks and artificial sweeteners consumption in Nigeria.
The 20-minute documentary titled Sweet Poison premiered in Lagos on Wednesday during a media presentation organized by CAPPA.
With a plot that examines how sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), ultra-processed drinks and heavily marketed alternatives have become deeply embedded in Nigerian lifestyles, the film showcases how excessive sugar intake and unhealthy beverage alternatives are contributing to rising cases of chronic diseases across the country.
According to the organization, the documentary exposes the link between sugary drinks and the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as Type 2 diabetes, obesity, hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
CAPPA also warned that beyond health risks, the beverage industry contributes to environmental problems through plastic pollution and resource-heavy production systems.
Speaking at the end of the screening, CAPPA Executive Director Akinbode Oluwafemi said the documentary was designed to highlight the hidden dangers linked to the country’s growing dependence on sweetened beverages.
“Sweet Poison is an attempt to connect the dots. It combines medical evidence, lived experiences and on-the-ground realities to show how growing dependence on sugary drinks is quietly reshaping the nation’s health profile,” Oluwafemi said.
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The documentary, ‘Sweet Poison’ features contributions from medical professionals, policymakers, patients living with diabetes, traders, students and community members.
It also highlights personal stories from Nigerians dealing with the effects of diet-related illnesses.
Notable guests were present at the screening, including the Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association in Lagos, Dr. Saheed Balogun, the Founder of the Diabetes & Limb Salvage Foundation Ms. Osarenkhoe Chima-Nwogwugwu, and Stradev Nigeria CEO Dr. Leslie Adogame.
Also gracing the occasion was the Nigeria Health Online publisher Sam Eferaro, and diabetes advocate Ronke Opaleye.
The documentary which is available on CAPPA’s YouTube page and social media channels, questions whether Nigeria’s current tax on sugary beverages is strong enough to reduce consumption.
Introduced under the Finance Act 2021, the policy placed a N10 per litre excise tax on sweetened and carbonated drinks.
CAPPA however argued that the tax has done little to change consumer habits or challenge aggressive marketing by beverage companies.
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The organization therefore pushed for stricter measures, including a 50 percent excise tax on the retail price of sugary drinks, or at least no less than 20 percent.
CAPPA also demands that part of the revenue from the tax be channeled into public health programmes to sensitize the community and help people living with NCDs.
“With the burden of non-communicable diseases rising and healthcare costs climbing, Nigeria cannot afford half-measures. A stronger SSB tax is a fiscal tool, and a necessary public health intervention,” Oluwafemi added.
Furthermore, the documentary shines a spotlight on the growing popularity of processed drink alternatives marketed as healthier choices, raising concerns about how some products still contain high sugar levels or unhealthy additives despite branding claims.
‘Sweet Poison’ first aired on TVC News on May 5, and is currently being broadcast across several media platforms nationwide.
Ultimately, health advocates maintained that the film could intensify conversations around food policies, public health awareness and the long-term dangers of excessive sugar consumption in Nigeria.
