The Pharmacists Affairs Group (PAG) on Monday called on the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) to declare open drug markets a public health emergency.

The pharmacists also urged the National Assembly to expedite action on the passage of the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Bill, emphasising that the move was necessary to safeguard the health of citizens.

It made the call in a communique issued and made available to journalists at the end of its April 2025 edition of the Point Blank Dialogue, a platform for crucial discussions on Nigeria’s healthcare system.

The event had the theme: “Circumventing the Impact of Open Drug Markets on Nigeria’s Pharmaceutical Supply Chain”.

Some of those who spoke at the event included the past Chairman of the Pharmacists’ Society of Nigeria in Lagos State, Pharm Anthony Bola Oyawole; the Chairman of Pharmaceutical Wholesalers and Distributors Association of Nigeria (PWDAN), Ogheneochuko Omaruaye; and the Registrar of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), Ibrahim Babashehu Ahmed.

The experts, who spoke at the conference, decried the rise of open drug markets in the country. They then advised the NGF to declare it a public health emergency.

They also urged the National Assembly to expedite action on the passage of the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Bill.

They said: “Regulatory oversight over PPMVs has been historically inadequate, leading to the unchecked spread of substandard drugs. ODMs cost Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry over ₦200 billion annually in lost revenue due to illicit sales.

“Research has shown that ODMs are responsible for a significant percentage of counterfeit drugs in the market, endangering public health. The closure of the Sabon-Geri Open Drug Market in Kano by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) and NAFDAC serves as a model for successful interventions.

“Participants resolved to take the following actions: close open drug markets, fast-track the establishment of Coordinated Wholesale Centres, CWCs, in key states, and intensify enforcement against non-compliant markets.

“Strengthen Supply Chains: Prioritize local manufacturing and establish a blockchain-based tracking system to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s pharmaceutical supply chain. Launch a national #DrugSafetyNG campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of unregulated drug markets. Legislative Advocacy: Call for the Nigerian Governors’ Forum to declare ODMs a public health emergency and expedite the passage of the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Bill.”