Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has lauded President Bola Tinubu for signing an Executive Order aimed at revitalizing Nigeria’s health sector. In a statement issued in Abuja, Adeyeye highlighted that the reform efforts to strengthen NAFDAC began six years ago under her leadership and have now culminated in significant advancements, including the recent Executive Order promoting local drug manufacturing in Nigeria.
The Executive Order introduces several measures such as Zero Tariff and Excise Duties on specified pharmaceutical machinery, equipment, and goods, aimed at reducing production costs and making healthcare products more affordable. It also includes waivers on essential pharmaceutical inputs like Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and materials for healthcare products like Long-lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) and Rapid Diagnostic kits.
Adeyeye underscored that these incentives would not only lower prices of essential medicines and medical supplies but also stimulate local manufacturing, create employment opportunities, and foster economic growth while reducing dependency on imports. The Executive Order is set to bolster regulatory harmonization, streamline approval processes, and establish a framework for stable local production of medical products.
Moreover, Adeyeye emphasized that the Executive Order aligns with broader initiatives such as the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) and the Presidential Initiative on Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), approved in 2023. She highlighted that the Order’s implementation would enhance service delivery, improve health outcomes, and strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system’s resilience against future health challenges.
Overall, Adeyeye expressed confidence that the Executive Order marks a significant step towards achieving a sustainable, high-quality healthcare system in Nigeria, reflecting the administration’s commitment to transformative change in the health sector.