‘It’ll boost local production’ — NAFDAC commends FG’s executive order on imported healthcare inputs

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has applauded President Bola Tinubu for signing an executive order to eliminate tariffs, excise duties, and value-added tax (VAT) on imported pharmaceutical inputs.

In a statement on Saturday, Mojisola Adeyeye, the director-general (DG) of NAFDAC, said the executive order sets the stage for a sustainable and high-quality healthcare system for all Nigerians.

Adeyeye said the executive order will ensure “drug and health security” in the country, adding that it would “boost local pharmaceutical production”.

On Friday, Tinubu signed an executive order to introduce zero tariffs, excise duties and value added tax (VAT) on imported pharmaceutical inputs.

According to a statement by Ali Pate, coordinating minister of health and social welfare, the order is aimed at revitalising the Nigerian health sector and increase production of healthcare products.

The NAFDAC DG said the executive order is geared towards transforming Nigeria’s health sector by boosting local production, reducing costs, and promoting investments.

Adeyeye said the initiative, as a part of the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative “addresses longstanding challenges and aims to improve health outcomes for Nigerians.”

She said the agency has been promoting local pharmaceutical production for six years, and with the new administration, local manufacturers can now grow and compete more effectively.

Adeyeye said the order would help in implementation and compliance, where agencies like Nigeria Customs Service, NAFDAC, Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) would ensure swift implementation.

“The waivers and exemptions are valid for two years. The order is vital to the success of the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) and will encourage local manufacturing, create jobs, stimulate economic growth and reduce dependence on imports,” Adeyeye said.

“It will ensure reliable supply of essential healthcare products, enhance quality and innovation, strengthen health aystems by address underinvestment and regulatory challenges.

“The executive order will improve service delivery and health outcomes, and enhance resilience to future health crises.”

The NAFDAC DG said the president’s executive order underscores the administration’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s health sector.

She added that the executive order aligns with the broader objectives of the NHSRII and the presidential initiative on healthcare value chain (PVAC) approved in October 2023.