Give Us Three-month Zero Tariff On Essential Drugs, Pharmaceutical Importers Urge FG

The Association of Pharmaceutical Importers of Nigeria has asked the Federal Government to declare zero tariffs on essential drugs for three months.

They say it is the first major step to take if the Presidency is serious about checking the shortage of essential drugs in the country.

In an exclusive interview with PUNCH HealthWise, national chairman of the association, Mr. Nnamdi Obi, said, given the way the COVID-19 pandemic had crippled commercial activities globally, now is the time for the government to take a keen interest in the nation’s pharmaceutical industry.

“This is why we are requesting that all duties and levies on essential pharmaceutical and healthcare equipment be suspended, at least for the next three months, to assure sustainable supply and pricing stability to the Nigerians in dire need at this period of a global health emergency,” Obi said.

He warned that what happened to China was an eye-opener to the entire world because both India and China contribute to over 85 per cent of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients [the part of any drug that produces the intended effects] in the country.

The drug importer said it was the reason Nigeria, just like the rest of the world, is seriously affected by the chains of COVID-19-related events.

“In the interim, may we also urge the Federal Government to issue directives to Nigeria Customs Service to grant expedited clearance of health care and pharmaceutical products in our ports?

“There are just too many shipments waiting to be cleared at the ports if the government seriously wants to mitigate a shortage of essential drugs in the country,” he remarked.