Story of Impact

Contributed to the recent implementation of an increased tobacco tax regime in Nigeria

CSEA carried out a novel tobacco taxation model for Nigeria with the aim of estimating the impact of a tobacco tax policy change on public health and government revenue. The research project with a policy dialogue was funded by the Africa Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF). Following the completion of the research study, the Centre was invited to join the Technical Working Group on Tobacco Taxation of the Federal Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Finance. The success of this project and CSEA’s active involvement in this policy process led to the implementation of a new tobacco tax, with an upward review of duty levy and change in tax structure for tobacco products. The new policy would maintain the current 20 percent ad valorem-based excise duty rate on tobacco products, and introduce an additional N1 specific tax on each stick of cigarette in 2018, which would increase the price per stick to N2 in 2019 and eventually N2.90 per stick in 2020. This corresponds to a gradual increase in excise tax duty rate of N58 per pack, spread over three years.

Participated in the Review of the National Employment Policy Plan:

The Centre conducted a research study on ‘Rethinking Job Creation and Employment Generation Strategies in Nigeria’ in 2014 and organized a Policy Dialogue to present its findings. The event increased awareness on the main constraints to job creation and the need for a comprehensive approach to facilitate employment generation in Nigeria. Given the proactive nature the policy recommendations emanating from the study, the Centre was invited to participate in the review of the National Employment Policy by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO). The new policy document will serve as a blueprint to employment generation in Nigeria, and thus considerably contribute in efforts to eliminate poverty in Nigeria.

Led the debate for a Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) in Nigeria

In 2009, CSEA built support by providing an evidence-based analysis of the imperative to establish a Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF). Based on the policy paper, the Centre organized a policy dialogue involving various stakeholders, including policymakers, the media, and civil society organizations to debate the usefulness of establishing SWF in Nigeria. The outcome of the event sustained the interest of policymakers to improve the oil revenue management regime in Nigeria. This eventually led to the establishment of the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority in 2011 mandate to manage Nigeria’s Future Generations Fund, the Stabilization Fund and the Nigeria Infrastructure Fund.