Renowned human rights lawyer and partner at Deji Adeyanju & Partners Adeyanju Deji has praised President Bola Tinubu and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for their groundbreaking announcement regarding a two-year exemption on import duties and Value Added Tax (VAT) for essential raw materials used in healthcare product manufacturing. This executive order aims to reduce the financial strain on the production of vital medical supplies in Nigeria.
In his statement, Adeyanju expressed his appreciation to President Tinubu and Customs Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi for addressing the significant needs of the healthcare manufacturing sector. The exemption covers key items such as Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), excipients, reagents, packaging materials, Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs), and Rapid Diagnostic Kits.
“This move represents a tremendous boost to our healthcare sector, especially during these economically challenging times,” Adeyanju stated. He underscored the importance of strict monitoring to ensure that only recognized manufacturers accredited by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and those with valid Tax Identification Numbers (TINs), benefit from the exemptions.
Adeyanju also advocated for expanding this initiative to include other essential sectors. He argued that similar measures could help mitigate the impacts of hyperinflation across the country, improving access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas where economic challenges are most severe. “By reducing costs, we can significantly enhance healthcare access for the most vulnerable,” he added.
In addition to supporting the exemptions, Adeyanju called for more people-centric policies that focus on increasing healthcare accessibility for all Nigerians. “The welfare of our citizens must always be at the forefront of government initiatives,” he remarked, stressing that strategic measures are necessary to build a healthier nation.
Furthermore, he highlighted the growing issue of counterfeit healthcare products in Nigeria, urging greater collaboration between the NCS and other regulatory bodies to tackle this threat. Adeyanju pointed out that counterfeit drugs have claimed more lives than many health challenges, calling for immediate action to curb the proliferation of these dangerous products.
“By working diligently, the NCS and regulatory agencies can safeguard public health and ensure that Nigerians have access to safe, genuine medical supplies,” he concluded.
