Nigeria’s House of Representatives has asked federal ministries and agencies, including the Central Bank of Nigeria, to urgently implement and monitor the full operationalisation of the Executive Order on pharmaceutical production inputs.
The resolution followed a motion by Alex Ikwechegh, representing Aba North/South Federal Constituency, who decried the rising cost of medicines and called for the revival of local pharmaceutical manufacturing.
The lawmaker noted that the Executive Order issued in June 2024—aimed at eliminating tariffs, VAT, and import duties on pharmaceutical raw materials, equipment, and machinery—has yet to yield the desired impact, as drug prices remain high.
Ikwechegh cited data showing that over 70 percent of medicines and active pharmaceutical ingredients are imported, warning that delays in addressing structural challenges in the sector pose a serious threat to national health security, particularly during public health emergencies.
The House also urged the federal government to establish a Pharmaceutical Industrialisation Fund under the Bank of Industry to support local manufacturers with single-digit interest loans.
It further called on the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria to fast-track registration and quality assurance of locally produced medicines.
In addition, the House urged a nationwide public awareness campaign on local drug patronage and mandated its relevant committees to ensure compliance and report back within four weeks.
(Editor: Ada Ononye)
