The Federal Government has called for stronger collaboration between the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to curb the circulation of counterfeit and substandard medicines across the country.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume made the call yesterday in Abuja while receiving the leadership of the ACPN, led by its National Chairman, Pharm. Ambrose Igwekamma Ezeh, during a courtesy visit to formally invite him as the Special Guest of Honour at the opening ceremony of the association’s 45th Annual International Scientific Conference.

The conference, tagged “Unity 2026” and 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.

Describing community pharmacists as critical stakeholders in Nigeria’s healthcare system, the SGF said their presence at the grassroots places them in a strategic position to help identify and prevent counterfeit medicines from reaching consumers.

“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,” Akume said.

He noted that the fight against counterfeit medicines requires a coordinated effort involving regulators, healthcare professionals, manufacturers and the public.

Akume also encouraged pharmacists to explore international collaborations aimed at strengthening local pharmaceutical manufacturing, citing Uganda’s progress in domestic drug production as an example Nigeria could emulate through partnerships and knowledge exchange.

Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to healthcare reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, he said efforts were ongoing to expand access to quality healthcare through the establishment of more specialised health facilities and increased admission opportunities for students studying medicine, pharmacy and other health-related disciplines.

The SGF described the ACPN conference as an important platform for policy discussions and professional engagement, urging participants to develop practical solutions that would strengthen pharmacy practice, improve pharmaceutical care and advance universal health coverage.

Earlier, Ezeh said the conference would bring together policymakers, regulators, healthcare professionals, academics and industry stakeholders to examine emerging issues affecting pharmacy practice and healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

He thanked Akume for accepting the invitation and endorsing the association’s campaign against counterfeit medicines, assuring that community pharmacists would continue to work with NAFDAC and other regulatory agencies to safeguard public health.

According to him, pharmacy practice has evolved beyond dispensing medicines, with pharmacists now playing frontline roles in primary healthcare, medicine safety, disease prevention and universal health coverage.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, called for stronger collaboration among healthcare professionals to improve patient care, strengthen pharmacy practice and boost local pharmaceutical production.

Kana noted that pharmacy has expanded globally into areas such as pharmaceutical manufacturing, research and medication administration, while commending the growing cooperation among health institutions in Nigeria, including recent engagements involving the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
He said sustained partnerships among stakeholders would contribute to a safer and more resilient healthcare system.