Zamfara State Ministry of Health has convened a high level stakeholders’ meeting aimed at curbing the illegal hawking and sale of drugs across selected Local Government Areas of the State.

The meeting, presided over by the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nafisa Muhammad Maradun, brought together key actors in the health sector and other relevant agencies to strategize on enforcement measures.

In her remark, Dr. Maradun expressed appreciation to participants for honoring the invitation, despite their demanding schedules, noting that their presence reflected a shared commitment to protecting the health and safety of Zamfara citizens.

She recalled that about two weeks earlier, stakeholders had met for a roadmap review session, which she described as pivotal in aligning their various mandates toward a common objective.

According to the Commissioner, the roadmap validated during the previous meeting provides a clear course of action, and the current session was convened to move from planning to implementation.

She stated that the primary objective was to jointly identify and validate hotspots for illegal medicine sales and hawking across the targeted Local Government Areas, ensuring that a unified and actionable list is developed.

Dr. Maradun emphasized that the decisions reached at the meeting would directly determine the timeline for enforcement operations, including raids and confiscations.

She disclosed that the next phase of action is imminent and could either commence immediately or be strategically deferred until after the fasting period, depending on consensus and operational assessments.

The Commissioner was represented by the Permanent secretary of the Ministry, Malan Bashir Sirajo Gusau also NIPSS Ambassador of Integrity and Leadership during the meeting.

In his remarks, the Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Pharm. Mas’ud Isah, outlined the objectives of the meeting, which include jointly identifying and validating hotspots for illegal medicine sales and strategically determining the timing and modalities for enforcement operations.

He stressed the importance of collaboration and intelligence sharing among stakeholders to ensure a successful outcome.

The meeting reaffirmed the Zamfara State Government’s commitment to eliminating the dangers posed by illegal and unregulated medicines and strengthening public health protection across the state.

the meeting was attended by the Nigeria Police Force, NDLEA, NAFDAC, NSCDC, Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN), Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) and Agency for Substance abuse and Human Trafficking.