The Director General (DG) of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye has praised President Bola Tinubu for signing the Executive Order (EO) aimed at transforming Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
According to the DG, the EO would lead to increased local production of healthcare products, reduce costs of healthcare equipment and consumables, and promote local investments, marking a significant step forward for the country’s healthcare system.
She said her sense of fulfillment stems from the realisation of the relevance to the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), as the EO is vital for the success initiative as it addresses key issues.
In a statement on Saturday, Adeyeye noted that despite previous government efforts to revitalize the country’s pharmaceutical landscape, local drug and pharmaceutical consumables manufacturers remained hindered by the unbridled importation of various pharmaceutical products.
She lamented that the situation not only put the country at an economic disadvantage and undermined citizens’ health security but also prevented local manufacturers from being globally competitive.
She said: “However, the perennial and persistent costly challenge of importation of ALL materials needed for manufacturing (except water) by local manufacturers became an open sore.
“As Director General, my professional heart ached for local manufacturers considering the import duties they have to pay for ALL materials, some packaging materials and equipment.
“I have advocated for zero tariffs since my assumption of office with a limited moratorium to give local manufacturers industrial breathing space to do what they know how to do best – manufacturing quality medical products.
The NAFDAC DG expressed optimism that with the new EO, the nation’s medicine and pharmaceutical consumables manufacturing is poised for a new era, as several critical issues are expected to be addressed.
She the EO will reposition manufacturing of drug and pharmaceutical consumables in the country “By lowering tariffs and providing special waivers, the EO aims to reduce the prohibitive costs of medicines and other pharmaceutical products, making healthcare more affordable for Nigerians.
“Encouraging local manufacturing will create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and reduce dependence on imports, ensuring a reliable supply of essential healthcare products.
“Regulatory harmonization and market shaping will drive innovation and quality improvement in the local healthcare industry.
“The Executive Order will also strengthen the nation’s health systems by addressing underinvestment and regulatory challenges by improving service delivery and health outcomes and enhancing resilience to future health crises.
“The President’s EO underscores his administration’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s health sector.
“By addressing core challenges and providing a clear path for improvement, this EO sets the stage for a sustainable and high-quality healthcare system for all Nigerians” she added.
