Importer Seeks FG Waiver on Importation of Medical Equipment, Others

FROM OUR NEWSDESK (ONITSHA)

An Onitsha based importer of medical equipment and its allied products, Chief Cyprain Umeh has called on the Federal Government to reconsider the benchmark issued to Nigerian Customs on the importation of medical equipment into the country.

Chief Umeh, a popular Anambra State born importer of medical equipment and its accessories told our correspondent in Onitsha at the weekend that it has become necessary as the high exchange rate of naira to dollar was grossly affecting the procurement and Importation of medical equipment into the country.

Umeh who is the Patron, Bridge-Head Markets Amalgamated Traders Association and Board of Trustees (BOT) Chairman, Surgical and Scientific Allied Equipment Dealers Union, Bridge-Head, Onitsha said it was taking a dangerous dimension in the cost of procuring medical equipment from manufacturers abroad due to high exchange rate of the dollar and hike on import duty.

He pleaded with the Federal Government to consider zero import duty on medicals imported into the country to encourage importers to put in their best in importation of medical related equipment, medicines and raw materials into the country.

He explained that Nigeria which is lacking in the production and research of medical related materials could not afford to endanger the lives of her citizens by introducing high import duty on medical related materials such as drugs, equipment and raw materials for drug production.

Chief Umeh,Managing Director,Techmel and Techmel Nig LTD.further argued that the benchmark issued to Nigerian Customs by the Federal Government has compelled Customs officials to remain  desperate in meeting government demands against the purpose of importing medicals to save lives.

He noted that  the cost of clearing goods,Customs duty, poor exchange rate of naira to dollar and local transportation of medical equipment which is bulky to their final destinations

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