The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a two-year exemption from import duty and Value Added Tax (VAT) on essential raw materials for pharmaceutical production.
This exemption, granted under a presidential executive order, was disclosed in a statement on Wednesday by NCS National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada.
According to the statement, the relief covers active pharmaceutical ingredients, excipients, and other materials necessary for producing medicines, rapid diagnostic kits, reagents, long-lasting insecticidal nets, and packaging materials.
The measure aims to boost local manufacturing, lower healthcare costs, and attract investment into Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector.
To ensure proper implementation, only pharmaceutical manufacturers recognized by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, with a valid Tax Identification Number, will be eligible for the exemption.
The NCS also pledged transparency in enforcing the policy, stating that it will compile and publish quarterly reports detailing imports made under the scheme, including the importers, quantities, and values of the goods.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to supporting government policies while maintaining trade facilitation, border security, and economic growth.
It emphasized that cooperation among stakeholders, including importers, manufacturers, and relevant agencies, is key to strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
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