A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Osun State, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has advised President Bola Tinubu to direct full enforcement of the executive order on the reduction of prices of essential medical consumables and machines in the country. Oyintiloye made the remarks while briefing journalists in Osogbo, in Sunday.
Oyintiloye said that despite the president’s executive order in June 2024 aimed at easing the financial burden of patients regarding drug prices, many life-saving drugs are still very pricey.
The former lawmaker stated that the order, which introduces zero tariffs, excise duties, and VAT on specified machinery, equipment, and raw materials to reduce production costs and enhance local manufacturers’ competitiveness, has yet to yield the desired results.
He said that although the Nigeria Customs Service announced on March 26, 2025, that it had commenced the implementation of the executive order, drug prices have continued to rise above affordability of the masses.
“Prices of critical drugs such as insulin, Metformin, and Exforge, among others, are still very high,” Oyintiloye said.
He urged the President to “ensure the full implementation of the executive order to enable local manufacturers to reduce drug prices.”
“I want to appeal to the President to see to the implementation of his executive order on drug prices for the benefit of Nigerians.
“There is no doubt that the President is doing everything within his power to provide quality healthcare delivery to Nigerians.
“And I am optimistic that he will see to this,” he said.
He lauded the President for subsidising the cost of kidney dialysis in federal hospitals across Nigeria.
“By reducing the cost of a single dialysis session from an average of ₦50,000 to a new subsidised rate of ₦12,000, the President’s initiative would also alleviate the suffering of many Nigerians under serious financial pressure,” he said.
“The President must be commended for this gesture. It shows that the President is a man who is passionate about the well-being of Nigerians,” he added.
