With the cost of medicines remaining high and unaffordable for many Nigerians, the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has called for measures to address rising energy, transportation and logistics costs.

In April 2026, the Federal Government approved tariff adjustments across 127 product lines, including a 20 per cent tariff on antimalarial medicines, under the 2026 Fiscal Policy Measures to stimulate growth and ease the cost of critical imports.

However, PSN President, Ayuba Tanko, said lower import duties and incentives for pharmaceutical companies might not translate into appreciable price reductions if other production and distribution costs remained high.

Speaking ahead of the society’s 99th Annual National Conference, Tanko explained that pharmaceutical manufacturers relied heavily on diesel to power their factories, making them vulnerable to rising energy costs. Higher transportation and distribution expenses also increased operating costs, which were eventually reflected in medicine prices.

He noted that manufacturers needed to remain profitable and would adjust prices to accommodate rising production and distribution expenses.

While acknowledging the government’s efforts to reduce medicine prices, Tanko said a more comprehensive approach was needed to tackle the multiple factors driving costs.

He urged the Federal Government to consult the leadership of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PMG-MAN) to identify key cost drivers and develop practical solutions.

He cautioned that policies formulated without adequate industry consultation could overlook significant expenses affecting pharmaceutical production and distribution.

The PSN also called for increased investment in research and the commercialisation of Nigeria’s medicinal plants to strengthen local medicine production and improve affordability.

Its National Secretary, Gafar Mandehin, urged the government to strengthen collaboration among research institutions, relevant agencies and pharmaceutical manufacturers to translate promising research findings into marketable products.

He also called for incentives to encourage pharmaceutical companies to invest in viable research and develop commercially available medicines.

Mandehin said stronger links between researchers and industry could help Nigeria harness its medicinal plant resources, expand local production and reduce dependence on medicines that many Nigerians struggle to afford.