Renowned human rights lawyer and partner at Deji Adeyanju & Partners, Adeyanju Deji, has commended President Bola Tinubu and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for their groundbreaking decision to grant a two-year exemption on import duties and Value Added Tax (VAT) for essential raw materials used in the manufacturing of healthcare products. This executive order aims to alleviate the financial burden on the production of crucial medical supplies in Nigeria.
In his statement, Adeyanju expressed his gratitude to President Tinubu and Customs Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi for addressing the pressing needs of the healthcare manufacturing sector. The exemption applies to key materials such as Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), excipients, reagents, packaging materials, Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs), and Rapid Diagnostic Kits.
“This initiative is a significant boost to our healthcare sector, especially in these difficult economic times,” Adeyanju remarked. He emphasized the need for close 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 suggested expanding the initiative to cover other vital sectors. He argued that similar measures could help mitigate the effects of hyperinflation across the nation, enhancing access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas where economic challenges are most pronounced. “By reducing costs, we can improve healthcare access for the most vulnerable,” he added.
In addition to supporting the exemptions, Adeyanju called for policies that focus on increasing healthcare accessibility for all Nigerians. “The well-being of our citizens must always be at the heart of government initiatives,” he stated, emphasizing that strategic actions are needed to build a healthier nation.
Furthermore, Adeyanju highlighted the growing problem of counterfeit healthcare products in Nigeria, urging stronger collaboration between the NCS and other regulatory bodies to combat this issue. He pointed out that counterfeit drugs have caused more deaths than many health crises, calling for urgent measures to curb the spread of these dangerous products.
“Through coordinated efforts, the NCS and regulatory agencies can protect public health and ensure Nigerians have access to safe, genuine medical supplies,” he concluded
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