Nigeria Customs Implements Presidential Directive to Boost Local Healthcare Production
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the implementation of a Presidential Executive Order aimed at stimulating domestic investment in the healthcare sector.
The directive, approved by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, through the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Olawale Edun, is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure and support local manufacturers.
Under the new guidelines, critical raw materials essential for the production of pharmaceutical products will be exempt from import duty and Value Added Tax (VAT) for a period of two years.
This exemption covers Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), excipients, and other key materials necessary for manufacturing essential medicines, Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs), Rapid Diagnostic Kits, reagents, and packaging materials.
According to the Nigeria Customs Service, only manufacturers of pharmaceutical products recognised by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and holding a valid Tax Identification Number (TIN) will be eligible for these fiscal incentives.
This measure aims to ensure that the benefits of the policy are directed towards legitimate manufacturers actively contributing to the growth and development of Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
To promote transparency and effective monitoring, the NCS has committed to compiling quarterly reports detailing all importations conducted under this policy.
These reports will include information on the importers, quantities, and values of the imported items, ensuring that the policy’s implementation remains aligned with its intended objectives.
Speaking on the policy’s impact, the National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, emphasised the Service’s commitment to supporting government policies while maintaining its mandate to facilitate trade, enhance border security, and drive national development.
“Successful implementation of this policy will require the collaboration of all stakeholders, including importers, manufacturers, and relevant government agencies. Through our collective efforts, we can achieve the shared goal of a robust healthcare sector that meets the needs of all Nigerians,” he stated.
The NCS remains confident that the strategic implementation of this directive will significantly enhance local production capacity, reduce dependency on imported medical supplies, and position Nigeria’s healthcare sector for sustained growth and resilience.
