The Federal government has announced the commencement of zero Value Added Tax (VAT) on pharmaceutical products and medical devices to reduce drug prices in the country. This was contained in a statement signed by the Head of Information in the Federal Ministry of Health, Alaba. R. Balogun reveals that the Executive Order on harmonized implementation framework has been cleared to be gazetted.
Furthermore, the Ministry noted that following the completion of the process, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) can now begin implementing zero VAT and excise duties on pharmaceutical products and medical devices.
It also stated that local manufacturers of pharmaceutical products will now begin to benefit from the relief measures.
It stated, “The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is pleased to announce the finalization of the Executive Order Harmonized Implementation Framework, which has now been cleared for gazetting. This critical step ensures that the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Nigeria Customs Service can implement zero VAT and excise duties on pharmaceutical products and medical devices.”
“With the implementation of this Executive Order, we anticipate a notable reduction in the prices of essential pharmaceutical products and medical consumables. This development aligns with the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to reducing both the physical and financial pain faced by millions of Nigerians who depend on these critical health supplies.”
It was noted that the gazetting of the Harmonized Implementation Framework represented the realization of the third pillar of the Ministry’s 4-point agenda, which focuses on unlocking the healthcare value chain.
This announcement comes against the backdrop of rising drug prices in Nigeria, a situation exacerbated by inflation, currency devaluation, and supply chain disruptions.
Nigeria has witnessed a surge in the cost of essential medications, with some life-saving drugs becoming unaffordable for low-income families.
