In a landmark policy shift designed to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system, the Nigeria customs service (NCS) has implemented a presidential executive order exempting critical pharmaceutical raw materials from import duties and value added tax (vat) for two years.

The initiative approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and announced by the Minister of Finance and coordinating minister of the Economy, Olawale Edun, seeks to bolster local manufacturing, lower the cost of medical products, and attract investment into Nigeria’s healthcare industry.