Strengthening the Fight Against Counterfeit Medicines

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, CON, has charged community pharmacists across the country to strengthen collaboration with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to rid Nigeria of counterfeit and substandard medicines.

Akume gave the charge on Thursday when he received the leadership of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), led by its National Chairman, Pharm. Ambrose Igwekamma Ezeh, during a courtesy visit in Abuja. He described community pharmacists as indispensable partners in Nigeria's healthcare system, noting that their strategic presence in communities placed them in a unique position to help detect and prevent the circulation of fake medicines.

The menace of fake drugs continues to pose a serious danger to the health and well-being of Nigerians. You must join hands with NAFDAC in checking this menace because it is a responsibility that demands the support of all of us. While NAFDAC is doing a great deal, it also requires the active collaboration of professional bodies such as the ACPN.

— Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Federal Republic of Nigeria

Local Manufacturing and International Best Practices

Beyond enforcement, the SGF urged Nigerian pharmacists to explore international partnerships and knowledge exchange programmes to strengthen local pharmaceutical manufacturing. Drawing from recent engagements with a Ugandan delegation, Akume noted that Uganda had made commendable progress in domestic drug production, which Nigeria could emulate to reduce dependence on imported medicines.

His call comes against the backdrop of intensified enforcement activities by NAFDAC across the country, including efforts to dismantle illegal drug markets and disrupt networks involved in the distribution of counterfeit medicines. Akume emphasized that expanding intelligence gathering in major commercial centres would be more effective with the active participation of community pharmacists at the grassroots level.

Reaffirming the Federal Government's commitment to healthcare reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, the SGF said the administration is focused on: - Expanding access to quality healthcare through specialized medical facilities. - Increasing admission opportunities for students in pharmacy and health-related disciplines. - Promoting pharmaceutical excellence and protecting citizens from counterfeit products.

The Unity 2026 International Conference

During the visit, the SGF accepted an invitation to serve as the Special Guest of Honour at the opening ceremony of the ACPN's 45th Annual International Scientific Conference, tagged “Unity 2026.” The conference, themed “From Local Pharmacy Practice to Global Impact: Managing Complex Political Systems,” is scheduled to hold at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.

Responding to the SGF, the ACPN National Chairman, Pharm. Ambrose Igwekamma Ezeh, assured the Federal Government that community pharmacists remain committed to safeguarding public health. He noted that modern pharmacy practice has evolved into a frontline healthcare service contributing to primary healthcare and disease prevention.

Inter-Professional Synergy in Healthcare

Supporting the call for synergy, the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office (GSO), Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, mni, called for stronger collaboration among healthcare professionals to improve patient care. He pointed to growing inter-professional collaboration in Nigeria's health sector as a positive trend for national development.

Dr. Kana highlighted that pharmacy has undergone significant transformation globally, expanding into pharmaceutical manufacturing, research, and medication administration. The meeting concluded with a renewed emphasis on building a resilient healthcare system through partnerships in medicine safety and universal health coverage.