From Winifred Bosa , Lagos.

Pharmaceutical importers under the aegis of Association of Pharmaceutical (APIN) Importers of Nigeria have raised alarm on an imminent scarcity and increased cost of medicament in the nearest future.

This is sequel to an attempt being made by the federal government via a secular from the Finance ministry imported medicaments would again start attracting 20% import duty, disguised under the name ‘IMPORT ADJUSTMENT TAX .

As was contained in a press statement by the Association of Pharmaceutical Importers of Nigeria  signed by Sir Nnamdi Obi , President APIN and its Secretary , Barrister Chinweze Ukwuoma,   80% of medicaments consumed in Nigeria is imported.

” Not many know that policy somersaults, multiple taxation and lack of requisite infrastructure did not encourage the growth of pharmaceutical manufacturing companies. Not many know that between just two states in India, Maharashtra and Gujarat states, there are close to 10,000 (Ten Thousand) Pharmaceutical Manufacturing companies, while our entire country (Nigeria) has only 300 drug manufacturing companies. Note however that close to 25% of the 300 companies have folded up, while the others mix production with importation to stay in business ,” the association observed.

The statement further pointed out that  there is no functional pharmaceutical company producing small volume parenterals (injections) in Nigeria today and  as a rule, all APIN members import drugs from W.H.O/GIVIP (i.e. Good Manufacturing Practice) certified drugs manufacturing companies, a pre-requisite for importing pharmaceutical products by NAFDAC .

Noting that our neighbouring countries are still on 0% duty plus lower port charges , APIN wondered at what cost would the  Nigerian consumers get the products in a country with no welfare system, since definitely, the costs of medicaments would soar as a consequence of this policy .

In addition , “what stops anybody from importing via other neighbouring countries on transit to Nigeria, take care of land border agents or use the unorthodox route and bring in the products for higher profit? If this becomes the norm, dealers in fake drugs would resurrect again and start killing Nigerians to make money ,” it observed.

Hence ,  APIN is pleading for a rethink of this policy and the enthronement of a fruitful democratic principle of extensive consultation with stakeholders.