The Federal Government has introduced a bill to exempt Value Added Tax on baby products, as well as locally manufactured sanitary towels, pads, and tampons.
According to The PUNCH, this move is part of a broader effort to ease the financial burden on Nigerian households and address key social issues such as child malnutrition and period poverty.
The bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to Repeal Certain Acts on Taxation and Consolidate the Legal Frameworks Relating to Taxation and Enact the Nigeria Tax Act to Provide for Taxation of Income, Transactions, and Instruments, and Related Matters,” was submitted to the National Assembly on October 4, 2024.
It outlines various items exempt from VAT, including crude oil exports, military supplies, and goods used in donor-funded humanitarian projects.
The bill states, “The following supplies are exempt from the Value Added Tax imposed under chapter six of this Act: baby products; locally manufactured sanitary towels, pads or tampons; military hardware, arms, ammunitions, and locally manufactured uniforms supplied to the armed forces and other security agencies of the Nigerian government.”
Health advocates have welcomed the proposal, citing its potential to provide much-needed relief to families. Dr. Ifeanyi Nsofor, a global health equity advocate, noted, “This is a positive step towards making essential products more affordable.
However, with the rising cost of living, many Nigerians still find it difficult to access these products. The issue of child malnutrition and period poverty remains significant.”
The bill, if passed, could contribute to reducing financial barriers for families and individuals in need of essential hygiene and childcare products.
