Dr. Tunji Alausa, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, announced the federal government’s finalization of an executive order that eliminates value-added tax (VAT) and excise duties on imported pharmaceutical products and medical devices. The statement, released on social media, follows President Bola Tinubu’s June 28 executive order introducing these tax exemptions.

Alausa revealed that the zero percent VAT on pharmaceuticals has been cleared for gazetting, which will enhance the capacity of local pharmaceutical manufacturers and reduce the costs of critical healthcare supplies. He highlighted that the new framework empowers the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Nigeria Customs Service to implement these exemptions, allowing local producers to benefit fully from the relief measures.

“This is a critical milestone that will foster a healthier, more self-reliant nation,” said Alausa. The initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to improving healthcare access and affordability, while supporting the local manufacturing sector and unlocking Nigeria’s healthcare value chain.

The minister also emphasized that the scheme aims to alleviate the financial burden on millions of Nigerians who depend on essential health supplies, marking a significant step in the ministry’s agenda to enhance healthcare delivery nationwide. The framework is set to stabilize the pharmaceutical market, ensuring essential medicines and medical devices become more affordable and accessible across the country.

The gazetted framework will soon be disseminated to relevant agencies for immediate action.