Human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has commended President Bola Tinubu and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for their recent decision to grant a two-year exemption on import duties and Value Added Tax (VAT) for essential raw materials used in healthcare manufacturing.
The policy, enacted through an executive order, is expected to ease the financial burden on pharmaceutical and healthcare manufacturers by reducing the cost of critical supplies such as Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), excipients, reagents, packaging materials, Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs), and Rapid Diagnostic Kits.
In a statement in Abuja, Adeyanju commended President Tinubu and Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi for taking a bold step to strengthen the country’s healthcare sector.
The partner at Deji Adeyanju & Partners described the initiative as a vital relief amid economic challenges
and emphasized the need for strict monitoring to ensure that only verified manufacturers—recognized by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and holding valid Tax Identification Numbers (TINs)—benefit from the exemption.
“This initiative represents a substantial boost to our healthcare system, particularly in these difficult economic times. Lowering production costs will make essential medicines more affordable, especially for vulnerable Nigerians,” Adeyanju stated.
Adeyanju urged the government to consider extending similar exemptions to other critical sectors to mitigate the impact of hyperinflation.
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He stressed that such policies could improve access to healthcare, especially for those in rural communities who face the harshest economic challenges.
“Government policies must prioritize the welfare of citizens, and strategic interventions like this will pave the way for a healthier and more resilient nation,” he noted.
Beyond tax exemptions, Adeyanju called for urgent collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and regulatory agencies to tackle the rising influx of counterfeit healthcare products.
He warned that fake drugs have caused more deaths than some of the diseases they are meant to treat, making their elimination a national priority.
“The fight against counterfeit drugs must be intensified. Regulatory bodies and customs officials must work together to ensure that only genuine medical products enter our markets. The health and safety of Nigerians must not be compromised,” he declared.
Adeyanju urged authorities to enforce stricter penalties against those involved in the importation and distribution of fake drugs, stressing that proactive measures are needed to safeguard public health and restore confidence in Nigeria’s healthcare system.