Adaptability of European equipment to local conditions, especially electricity voltage, gives it an advantage over U.S.-origin equipment. Over the next 1-2 years, imports of telecommunications equipment and accessories from the U.S. are expected to grow at an annual average growth rate of 30 percent. The low value of Nigeria's currency against the US dollar, from 22 Naira in 1994 to 100 in 1999, has continued to make new automobiles costly. Also, with the lifting of a restriction placed on importation of used vehicles that are over eight years old, more automobiles are expected to be imported in 2000. Most of the commuter buses in Nigeria are over ten to fifteen years old and new U.S.-origin buses or fairly used ones would be in high demand to cater for such mode of transportation especially in large city centers.
Local production is limited to peripheral items such as hospital beds and gurneys.
The PTF also restated its commitment to the resuscitation of the nation's health care delivery system through a systematic funding and mobilization in line with the Bamako Initiative Program, a series of reforms in response to the deterioration of public health systems in developing countries. As in the previous years, private sector participation continues to account for much of Nigeria's imports in 1998, valued at approximately USD 400 million. The 1998 - 2000 National Rolling Plan objectives also include the completion of Teaching Hospital projects at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and Ado Bayero University, Kano, rehabilitation of Ibadan University Teaching Hospital and equipment of several medical health centers and primary health care centers. Also within this plan the PTF has commenced work on a special program to establish seven health centers of excellence, in addition to the rehabilitation of 733 health institutions nationwide. There is no doubt that the political situation and the resultant economic crunch had some negative effects on imports.