Executive Order on Drugs: Expectations vs Reality
On June 30, 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through the Minister of Health, Muhammed Ali Pate, announced an executive order designed to lower drug prices in Nigeria.
The order introduced zero tariffs, excise duties, and VAT exemptions on pharmaceutical raw materials, machinery, and essential drug production inputs. The move was expected to encourage local drug manufacturing, cut production costs, and improve access to affordable medicines.
In addition, the Federal Executive Council approved the creation of Medipool, a centralized system aimed at competitive pricing and the supply of essential drugs nationwide.
Drug Prices Still Rising Despite Intervention
More than a year after the directive, Nigerians are yet to feel any relief. A market survey reveals that essential drugs have instead become more expensive.
Insulin: up 29% — from N14,000 (June 2024) to N18,000 (August 2025)
Glucometer: up 41% — from N20,500 to N29,000
Metformin (for diabetes): up 30% — from N500 to N650
Amlodipine (for hypertension): up 33% — from N1,800 to N2,400
Exforge (hypertension drug): up 83% — from N32,800 to N60,000
Malaria Treatment Worst Hit
The sharpest increases have been recorded in malaria treatment drugs, which millions of Nigerians rely on:
Coartem: up 124% — from N3,800 to N8,500
Artesunate injection: up 56% — from N1,600 to N2,500
Lokmal tablet: up 104% — from N1,200 to N2,450
Few Price Drops Recorded
While most medicines have seen massive price hikes, a handful recorded price declines:
Augmentin: down 24% — from N18,500 to N14,000
Ventolin inhaler: down 12% — from N8,500 to N7,500
Why Are Drug Prices Still Rising?
Experts point to several factors undermining the executive order’s intended impact:
Persistent foreign exchange crisis, making imports costly
Heavy reliance on imported raw materials despite waivers
Inflation and rising operational costs for local manufacturers
Weak implementation and monitoring of government directives
The Impact on Nigerians
The failure of the executive order to stabilize drug prices has left patients, especially those managing chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, and malaria, struggling to afford life-saving medication.
Many fear that without further intervention, Nigeria could face a worsening public health crisis, as rising drug costs may force patients to abandon treatment.
