Senator Mohammed-Sani Musa, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, has pledged to advocate for reforms in the tax regime to make it more favorable for pharmaceutical companies, thereby preventing their departure from Nigeria. Speaking to journalists at a symposium organized by Project Pink Blue (PPB) in Abuja, the Senator emphasized the Senate’s commitment to enacting legislation on tax administration to provide pharmaceutical companies with opportunities to contribute more to the country’s development while minimizing tax burdens.
Dr. Zainab-Shinkafi Bagudu, a panelist at the symposium and wife of a former Kebbi State governor, echoed the need to create a conducive environment for local manufacturing companies to remain in Nigeria. She stressed the importance of government policies that support businesses, emphasizing that the exodus of companies could lead to an increase in cancer cases.
Dr. Tunji Alausa, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, highlighted the government’s interventions to address the cancer epidemic, including education and preventive measures such as the rollout of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine. He refuted claims that pharmaceutical companies were leaving Nigeria due to the difficulty of doing business, attributing their departure to non-compliance with pharmaceutical laws.
Alausa also announced plans to establish six new cancer care centers across the six geopolitical zones, with increased funding allocated to healthcare and cancer treatment. He emphasized the government’s commitment to managing the National Cancer Fund efficiently to support cancer patients.
Mr. Runcie Chidebe, Executive Director of PPB, emphasized the urgency of addressing the high cost of oncology medications to alleviate the suffering of cancer patients. He called for collective efforts from all stakeholders, including the private sector and government, to make cancer treatment more affordable and accessible.
Chidebe also advocated for decentralizing cancer control efforts, urging state governments to play a more active role in supporting cancer patients. Overall, the symposium highlighted the need for comprehensive reforms and collaborative action to address the challenges facing cancer patients and pharmaceutical companies in Nigeria.
