The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has announced the completion of the Executive Order Harmonised Implementation Framework, which enables the enforcement of zero Value Added Tax (VAT) and excise duties on pharmaceutical products and medical devices. The framework has been approved for gazetting, allowing the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to move forward with the relief measures.

Alaba Balogun, head of information and public relations for the ministry, described the framework as a significant milestone, providing essential tax exemptions to local manufacturers. This initiative is expected to lower the cost of essential medical products and align with the Ministry’s commitment to reducing healthcare costs for Nigerians.

Balogun emphasized that the framework supports the third pillar of the Ministry’s four-point agenda, which focuses on unlocking the healthcare value chain and fostering local production. Copies of the gazetted framework will be distributed to FIRS, NCS, and other relevant agencies for immediate implementation. Balogun praised President Bola Tinubu for his dedication to improving healthcare and empowering local industries