President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered that all medical equipment in various ports across the country be immediately evacuated, as part of the concerted efforts to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.
In addition, the President gave a waiver of Customs duty on medical supplies, to kick off with immediate effect.
This was revealed by the Special Assistant to the President on Digital and Media, Tolu Ogunlesi, via his Twitter handle, on Tuesday.
He added that the President had also directed the Nigerian Customs Service to implement expedited clearing of all imported medical, pharmaceutical supplies and healthcare equipment all held at the country’s ports.
Ogunlesi said, “Mr President has approved a blanket waiver of import duties for medical equipment and supplies, as part of Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen health infrastructure in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“In addition to the import waiver, President Buhari has also directed the Nigeria Customs Service to implement expedited clearing of all imported healthcare equipment, medical and pharmaceutical supplies.
“The presidential waiver on import duties for medical equipment and supplies, and directive for expedited clearing, took effect from May 1, 2020.”
Oginlesi also added, regarding the reopening of borders, Buhari would be making a final decision once the war against COVID-19 is won.
“On land border reopening, we‘ve reached a reasonable level of understanding with our neighbours; a clear commitment to complying with the trade protocols they were previously abusing. The final decision will be made by Mr President, once this pandemic is over,” he added.
