The Federal Government has announced that revenue generated from taxes on tobacco, alcohol, sugary drinks, telecommunications services and other selected items will now be dedicated to funding health care in Nigeria. This move is part of the administration’s broader fiscal policy reforms aimed at ensuring sustainable financing for social services.
Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, explained that the decision will create a reliable revenue stream for the health sector while discouraging excessive consumption of harmful products. He noted that aligning fiscal measures with health objectives will also reduce the long-term burden of treating preventable diseases.
The policy underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to building a more efficient tax system that balances economic growth with social responsibility. By earmarking these funds, authorities aim to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, expand access to essential services, and improve overall public health outcomes.
This step reflects President Tinubu’s renewed focus on reforms that directly touch citizens’ lives, combining economic prudence with social investment. The administration’s fiscal reforms are designed to ensure that government resources are channelled into areas that deliver maximum impact on the welfare of Nigerians.