Human rights lawyer, Adeyanju Deji, has publicly commended President Bola Tinubu and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for their recent executive order granting a two-year exemption on import duties and Value Added Tax (VAT) for healthcare products.
In a statement released to the press, Adeyanju expressed his profound gratitude to President Tinubu and Customs Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi for their acknowledgment of the dire economic challenges plaguing the healthcare manufacturing sector.
“This initiative represents a pivotal step towards bolstering our healthcare infrastructure, particularly amidst the current economic headwinds,” Adeyanju stated.
“The reduction in import costs will undoubtedly translate to more affordable medical supplies, making healthcare more accessible to the average Nigerian.”
However, Adeyanju emphasized the crucial need for stringent monitoring and enforcement to ensure that the benefits of this policy are exclusively channeled towards legitimate manufacturers.
“It is imperative that the NCS, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, establish a robust framework for verification,” he cautioned.
“Only manufacturers possessing valid Tax Identification Numbers (TINs) and recognized by the relevant authorities should be eligible for these exemptions.”
Beyond the immediate relief offered to the healthcare sector, Adeyanju advocated for the extension of similar fiscal measures to other vital sectors of the Nigerian economy.
“The hyperinflation currently gripping our nation necessitates a comprehensive approach,” he argued.
“Extending these exemptions to other critical industries will help mitigate the escalating costs of essential goods and services, ultimately easing the economic strain on Nigerian households.”
He underscored the disproportionate impact of economic hardship on rural communities, where access to healthcare is often severely limited.
“Lowering the cost of medical supplies will significantly improve healthcare accessibility for individuals residing in these underserved areas,” Adeyanju asserted.
“The government must prioritize the welfare of all its citizens, particularly those facing the most acute economic vulnerabilities.”
Furthermore, Adeyanju addressed the alarming proliferation of counterfeit healthcare products, which he described as a grave threat to public health.
“The consequences of counterfeit drugs are catastrophic,” he warned.
“These illicit products have claimed countless lives, often exceeding the mortality rates of the very ailments they purport to treat. The government must take decisive action to curb this menace.”
He called for enhanced collaboration between the NCS and other regulatory agencies, including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), to strengthen border controls and eradicate the distribution of counterfeit medical supplies.
“Only through the concerted efforts of these agencies can we safeguard the health of our citizens and ensure access to genuine, life-saving medications,” Adeyanju concluded.
