The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) is set to examine how community pharmacists can play a greater role in expanding healthcare access and strengthening Nigeria’s health system.

This will be at the 45th Annual International Scientific Conference, tagged “Unity 2026,” to be held from July 27 to August 1, 2026 at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, with the theme, “From Local Pharmacy Practice to Global Impact: Managing Complex Political Systems.”

The conference will begin with a health insurance awareness walk themed, “Health Insurance for All: Leaving No One Behind,” led by the Director-General of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, alongside ACPN National Chairman, Pharm. Ezeh Ambrose Igwekamma.

Dr. Ohiri is also expected to present a paper on “Leveraging NHIA–Community Pharmacists Collaboration as a Catalyst for Universal Health Coverage,” while the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Muyi Aina, will speak on “Healthcare System Strengthening and Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria.”

Other expected participants include Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, and Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate.

Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Pharm. Chidi Dozie, said preparations had been concluded to receive local and international delegates for what is expected to be one of Africa’s largest gatherings of community pharmacists.

According to him, the conference will bring together regulators, policymakers, industry leaders, healthcare practitioners and development partners to deliberate on challenges affecting healthcare delivery, pharmaceutical supply chains, regulation and access to medicines.

Dozie said the participation of senior government officials demonstrates growing recognition of community pharmacists as key stakeholders in Nigeria’s healthcare system.

He added that the conference would provide an opportunity to translate professional recommendations into policies capable of improving healthcare access and strengthening national health security.

According to him, participants will also examine strategies for optimising pharmaceutical supply chains, improving operational efficiency, managing risks and responding to evolving healthcare regulations, while exploring stronger institutional frameworks to support sustainable healthcare delivery.

ACPN National Chairman, Pharm. Ezeh Ambrose Igwekamma, described Unity 2026 as a defining moment for the profession and an opportunity to reposition community pharmacists at the centre of healthcare transformation.

He noted that pharmacists have assumed greater responsibilities in expanding healthcare access over the past decade and should be fully integrated into grassroots healthcare and rural development initiatives.

“Our expectation for Unity 2026 goes beyond professional discussions. We aim to develop a practical roadmap that will strengthen community pharmacy practice and position pharmacists as key contributors to healthcare policy and national development,” he said.

Igwekamma also highlighted ACPN’s implementation of the Community Pharmacists Assessment and Career Progression Institute (CPACPI), a framework endorsed by the International Pharmaceutical Federation to provide structured career development for pharmacists.

He reiterated the association’s call for the formal recognition of community pharmacies as Primary Healthcare Centres, arguing that their accessibility and frontline presence make them critical to achieving universal health coverage.

Keynote speaker and Managing Director of Evans Therapeutics Limited, Pharm. Adewale Oyenuga, said the conference would address issues relating to pharmaceutical manufacturing, supply chain resilience and regulatory compliance.

He stressed that strengthening local drug manufacturing and aligning national standards with global best practices remain essential to ensuring access to quality medicines and protecting public health.

President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Pharm. Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim, described the conference as a watershed for the profession, noting that pharmacists must combine technical expertise with active policy engagement to influence healthcare governance and contribute to national and global health goals.