CAPPA Criticizes FG for Endorsing Coca-Cola’s $1 Billion investment

The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has condemned the Nigerian government for welcoming Coca-Cola’s $1 billion investment pledge, citing the company’s history of broken promises and negative impacts on public health.

In a statement signed by its Media and Communication Officer, Robert Egbe, CAPPA accused Coca-Cola of attempting to “whitewash” its image despite numerous regulatory violations and harmful trade practices.

This follows Coca-Cola’s announcement during a visit to President Bola Tinubu that it would invest $1 billion in Nigeria over five years.

CAPPA claims the pledge is a recycled promise initially made under former President Muhammadu Buhari, which Coca-Cola failed to fulfill.

While the presidency explained that the investment was delayed due to a challenging business climate, CAPPA criticized the government’s defense of a company with a track record of public health violations.

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The organization highlighted a 2017 Lagos High Court ruling that found Coca-Cola products unfit for consumption due to high levels of sunset yellow and benzoic acid, which can form the carcinogen benzene when combined with Vitamin C. CAPPA also noted the company’s disregard for the court’s directive to place warning labels on its products.

Furthermore, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) recently found Coca-Cola guilty of deceptive trade practices, including misleading packaging and pricing strategies.

CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, emphasized the company’s contribution to Nigeria’s public health crisis, particularly non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.

CAPPA called on the government to reconsider its support for Coca-Cola, warning that such endorsements could undermine Nigeria’s efforts to curb the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, which are linked to rising rates of non-communicable diseases.

The group urged the government to prioritize the health and well-being of Nigerians over corporate interests.