Drug prices may drop as FG implements zero VAT, duties

Experts say prices of drugs are likely to drop following the implementation of the federal government’s executive order on zero VAT and excise duties on pharmaceutical products and medical devices.

The Nigeria Customs Service yesterday said it had commenced the implementation of Value Added Tax (VAT) and import duty exemption on raw materials essential for the production of pharmaceutical products.

The National Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Assistant Comptroller of Customs, Abdullahi Maiwada, in a statement on Wednesday, said the decision was in line with the presidential order to boost local production of healthcare products

President Bola Tinubu had, in June last year, signed the Executive Order to increase local production of pharmaceutical, diagnostics and medical devices.

Nigerian doctor pioneers W’Africa first robotic prostate cancer surgery

A Nigerian Consultant Urological/Robotic Surgeon, Professor Kingsley Ekwueme on Monday in Lagos pioneered the first West African robotic surgery on a prostrate cancer patient.

Ekwueme, a UK-based medical doctor returnee recently established The Prostate Clinic, (TPC) Nigeria Centre for Robotic and Laparoscopic Surgery, the first super-specialised clinic in West Africa dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer, utilising cutting-edge robotic surgery.

“This is truly historic,” declared Ekwueme, the clinic’s founder.

“We are bringing technology that has never been seen before in this region, giving Nigerians access to world-class treatment right here at home.”

The clinic’s centerpiece is the Da Vinci Robot, an advanced surgical system that provides unparalleled precision and minimally invasive procedures. “

Briefing journalists on the feat, Ekwueme explained that: “The Da Vinci Robot offers three-dimensional imaging and seven degrees of freedom, allowing for surgeries with minimal blood loss and faster recovery times.”

“Patients experience significantly less pain and scarring compared to traditional open surgeries.”

Ekwueme, a renowned urologist, emphasised that the technology extends beyond prostate cancer.

“We are treating a range of urological conditions in both men and women, including kidney cancer, bladder cancer, kidney stones, and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Our goal is to transform surgery in Nigeria.”

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Noting that the key focus of the clinic was accessibility, he said he is determined to make these advanced procedures affordable for all Nigerians.

“My mission is to ensure that no one in this country dies needlessly due to a lack of access to quality care.

“We are working to make these procedures as cost-effective as possible, and we are open to partnerships with the government to expand our reach.”

To address Nigeria’s power challenges, the clinic is equipped with a comprehensive solar power system, ensuring uninterrupted operations. “We understand the importance of reliable power.

“Our 24-hour solar system ensures that we can provide consistent, high-quality care.”

He said he is also committed to training local medical professionals in robotic surgery, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the technology in Nigeria.

“We are investing in the future of Nigerian healthcare. We want to empower our doctors with the skills they need to provide world-class care.”

Debunking common misconceptions about prostate and sexual activities, Ekwueme clarified that there is no proven dietary prevention for prostate cancer. “The primary risk factors are age, race, and family history. Early detection and access to advanced treatment are crucial.”

Looking ahead, Ekwueme revealed plans to introduce groundbreaking technology for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with zero blood loss.

“I am doing a procedure tomorrow, and soon I will unveil a technology that has never been done in Africa, splitting the prostate from the inside with absolutely no blood loss,” he stated.

He said with its state-of-the-art technology, commitment to affordability, and focus on local training, The Prostate Clinic Nigeria Centre for Robotic and Laparoscopic Surgery is poised to revolutionise cancer care in West Africa, offering hope and advanced treatment options to countless Nigerians.

Nigerian doctor pioneers W’Africa first robotic prostate cancer surgery

FG destroys another 200 containers of expired drugs

The Federal Government Joint Committee on the destruction of fake, illicit and expired pharmaceuticals has destroyed another 200 containers of substandard drugs worth billions of Naira imported into the country through the Apapa and Tin-Can Island seaports.

This is coming after the committee initially destroyed 250 containers of the same expired pharmaceutical products in January, 2025.

To this end, the committee comprising the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), National Security Adviser (NSA), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), National Agency for Food Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and Nigerian Army has destroyed a total of 450 containers of expired drugs in the first quarter of 2025.

The destruction exercise which took place in Epe, Lagos State yesterday, was part of a broader initiative of the Federal Government to curb importation of illicit and controlled drugs in order to safeguard public health and curb drug-related crimes in the country.

The pharmaceuticals destroyed were Tramadol, codeine, Apetamine, and Analgin injection amongst others.

Speaking to newsmen, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, said the initiative was important to prevent the circulation of dangerous substances such as Tramadol and Codeine, which are often abused, thus contributing to criminal activities in the country.

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Mallam Ribadu, who was represented by Ibrahim Sulaiman, said the destroyed drugs were seized at Apapa, Tin Can, and Lekki seaports.

He, however, disclosed that similar destruction was conducted in Port Harcourt as part of the first phase.

“The National Security Adviser is very passionate about ensuring that these illicit drugs do not remain in circulation. The government will not allow perpetrators to act with impunity; they will be arrested and prosecuted,” he stated.

The intercepted drugs were either expired or classified as controlled substances that should only be used under strict medical supervision.

Also, the Assistant Customs Controller, A.O Oguntuase from FOU Zone A, emphasised the enforcement efforts of security agencies in tracking and intercepting these illegal imports.

“Through intelligence gathering and swift action, we have been able to prevent the distribution of these drugs.

“The value of the destroyed substances is enormous, with each container estimated to be worth close to a billion naira,” he said.

On his part, representative of the NDLEA, DC Omotosho Solomon, stated that suspects arrested in connection with the goods were being tried in court.

Solomon warned importers engaged in the trafficking of illicit drugs and pharmaceuticals to desist from such acts or face the full process of law on illegal importation.

FG destroys another 200 containers of expired drugs