Nigeria’s House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to act swiftly to curb the escalating cost of medicines, warning that millions of citizens can no longer afford critical treatments.
The call followed the adoption of a motion presented by Alex Ikwechegh, who represents Aba North/Aba South Federal Constituency in Abia State. He highlighted a steep and persistent surge in the prices of essential drugs over the last two years, describing the trend as deeply concerning.
According to lawmakers, the situation has reached a breaking point, especially for low-income households and rural communities where healthcare access is already strained. Ikwechegh noted that the price of vital medications has skyrocketed, pushing life-saving treatments beyond the reach of many Nigerians.
Figures cited during the debate revealed that some commonly used drugs have risen in cost by as much as 300 to 500 percent. This spike has been attributed to inflation, the weakening naira, dependence on imports, and ongoing supply chain challenges.
Although the Federal Government introduced an Executive Order in June 2024 to ease production costs by removing tariffs, VAT, and import duties on pharmaceutical inputs, lawmakers said the intended relief has yet to translate into lower prices. They blamed weak implementation, forex instability, regulatory hurdles, and limited financing for local manufacturers.
Concerns were also raised about delays in an investigation by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission into high drug prices. The probe, which began in February 2025 alongside other stakeholders, has yet to produce a public outcome, raising questions about accountability and urgency.
The House warned that Nigeria’s heavy reliance on imported medicines accounting for over 70 percent of finished drugs and raw materials leaves the country vulnerable to global shocks. Lawmakers stressed that strengthening local pharmaceutical production could improve affordability, boost employment, and support industrial growth.
To address the crisis, the House urged key ministries and the Central Bank to ensure full enforcement of existing policies. It also proposed the establishment of a Pharmaceutical Industrialisation Fund through the Bank of Industry, offering low-interest loans to local drug makers, particularly small and medium enterprises.
Regulatory bodies were tasked with speeding up approval and quality assurance processes for locally produced medicines, without compromising standards. In addition, the government was encouraged to promote the use of Nigerian-made drugs through a nationwide awareness campaign.
Relevant House committees were directed to monitor progress and report back within four weeks.
This intervention comes amid mounting concern over healthcare affordability in Nigeria. Economic pressures worsened by fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms have driven up import costs, with pharmaceutical companies passing the burden on to consumers. For patients managing chronic illnesses like hypertension, diabetes, and asthma, rising drug prices have led to skipped doses or abandoned treatment.
Industry stakeholders continue to warn that local manufacturers face major obstacles, including high energy costs, limited access to foreign exchange, and financing challenges factors that have hindered domestic production.
Health experts say the impact is already visible, as manageable conditions increasingly turn deadly due to lack of access to affordable medication. Meanwhile, civil society groups are intensifying calls for government action, including price controls, expanded health insurance, and stronger support for local producers.
Lawmakers insist that without decisive and coordinated intervention, the crisis could deepen inequality and further weaken Nigeria’s already fragile healthcare system.