The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has thrown its full support behind the ongoing regulatory crackdown by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), as the country battles a disturbing resurgence of fake and substandard medicines.
Raising alarm over what it described as a worsening public health emergency, the ACPN cited internal research indicating that more than 50% of medicines circulating in Nigeria may be fake or substandard, a staggering figure far above the official estimate of 13–15%.
In a statement issued ahead of its upcoming 44th Annual International Conference in Awka, Anambra State, ACPN National Chairman, Pharm. Ezeh Ambrose Igwekamma, commended NAFDAC for taking decisive action, including the recent closure of the Sabon-Geri drug market in Kano—long regarded as a hotspot for counterfeit drugs.
“Almost five million unregistered drug-selling outlets are operating across Nigeria. It is only through strong enforcement partnerships and legal reform that we can protect consumers,” Igwekamma stated.
Themed “Technology Integration, Personalised Care: The Future of Community Pharmacy Practice,” the ACPN conference which is scheduled to hold from July 22 to 27, 2025 will bring together over 3,000 stakeholders, including pharmacists, researchers, tech innovators, policymakers, and healthcare entrepreneurs.
According to Igwekamma, the conference will focus on transforming pharmacy practice through technologies such as: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Telepharmacy Point-of-care diagnostics Electronic health records (EHRs) “Personalised pharmaceutical care must take centre stage, ensuring that every Nigerian receives tailored, data-driven services from the pharmacy closest to them,” he said. “Our goal is to shift from reactive to preventive care and restore public confidence in the drug supply chain.”
ACPN also praised local pharmaceutical manufacturers for their resilience amid regulatory and economic challenges, calling for policy incentives to support local drug production and reduce reliance on imports. “Strengthening our pharmaceutical industry is not only about healthcare. It is about national security, job creation, and economic growth,” Igwekamma added.
He urged the National Assembly to urgently amend the outdated Fake Drug and Unwholesome Processed Foods Act, which he said no longer meets the current regulatory demands. He also lamented the collapse of Federal and State Task Forces on fake drugs, saying it has created dangerous gaps in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical surveillance system.
As the ACPN prepares to gather thought leaders in Awka, the association is expected to push for bold reforms and innovations that will reshape community pharmacy practice and strengthen the country’s healthcare delivery system.
