The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has said the new executive order signed by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu is aimed at transforming the country’s healthcare sector by increasing local production of healthcare products and promoting local investments.
Minister of health and social welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, had said the executive order would reduce barriers related to the importation of raw materials and equipment for pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
He said the policy change would enable Nigerians produce essential items domestically, such as syringes, needles, generic pharmaceuticals, test kits, and long-lasting insecticides and treated nets for malaria.
Director-general of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, said zero tariffs and excise duties for specified pharmaceutical machinery, equipment, goods, and accessories are part of the measures included in the executive order.
Prof. Adeyeye, who disclosed this in a statement yesterday, said the order aims to reduce the prohibitive costs of medicines and other pharmaceutical products, making healthcare more affordable for Nigerians.
She said: “Encouraging local manufacturing will create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and reduce dependence on imports, ensuring a reliable supply of essential healthcare products.