President Bola Tinubu has received praise from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and pharmacists nationwide for signing an Executive Order aimed at boosting local production of healthcare products.
While commending the move, pharmacists suggested additional policies to further strengthen local pharmaceutical capacity and the industry.
The Executive Order, announced by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate, seeks to revitalize the Nigerian health sector by increasing local production of healthcare products, including pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and medical devices.
The Order eliminates tariffs, excise duties, and VAT on specified machinery, equipment, and raw materials, aiming to reduce production costs and enhance local manufacturers’ competitiveness.
Additionally, it provides market-shaping mechanisms and mandates inter-ministerial collaboration to develop a Harmonised Implementation Framework, expediting regulatory approvals and reducing bottlenecks.
“Agencies including the Nigeria Customs Service, NAFDAC, Standards Organisation of Nigeria, and the Federal Inland Revenue Service will ensure swift implementation, with special waivers and exemptions effective for two years.
“The implication of this order is to pivot towards market-based incentives to encourage medical industrialization, reducing costs of medical products through import substitution over time, creating and retaining economic value, and enabling job creation in the healthcare value chain.
“We thank Mr President for his courage and commitment to ensure Nigeria is put back on the path to prosperity. We also thank all who contributed to the ideas that culminated in the consensus that resulted in this key milestone,” Pate wrote.
The National Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, Adewale Oladigbolu, praised President Tinubu’s executive order, predicting that it will eventually stabilize drug prices.
Meanwhile, Stephen Esumobi, Director of Enforcement at the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, hailed the order as a significant milestone, expecting it to boost local pharmaceutical industries’ capacity utilization, leading to increased employment opportunities in the sector.
“It will reduce the cost of production of medicines leading to lower prices. Also, it will improve the availability of essential medicines
“By the time the benefits start rolling in, the president can decide to extend it. This is a very good development for our nation,” he told our correspondent.
Ahmed Yakasai, a former President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria and Advisor to the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, praised the signed order as a positive step.
He emphasized the need for resilience, innovation, and collaboration to build a thriving local pharmaceutical manufacturing ecosystem that serves both domestic and international markets.
Yakasai acknowledged the challenges ahead, including infrastructure gaps, bureaucratic hurdles, and the need for a supportive business environment.
He stressed the importance of investing in research and development, empowering local entrepreneurs, and developing a skilled workforce to overcome these obstacles and ensure success.
The renowned pharmacist highlighted, “The path ahead is not without its obstacles. We must address infrastructural challenges, streamline bureaucratic processes, and foster a conducive business environment. We must invest in research and development, empower local entrepreneurs, and cultivate a skilled workforce.
“Moreover, we must prioritise sustainability, ensuring that our local manufacturing processes are environmentally friendly and socially responsible. However, amidst these challenges lie unprecedented opportunities. By investing in local production of APIs and Excipients for our local and international pharmaceutical manufacturing, we can create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and reduce our reliance on imports.”
Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, Director General of NAFDAC, stated that the executive order is crucial for the success of the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, a program designed to tackle long-standing challenges in the health sector and ultimately improve the health and well-being of Nigerians.
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