Get Guardian on GooglePharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has called for a minimum fine of N25 million and a jail term of up to 20 years for counterfeit drug peddlers, urging the National Assembly to expedite amendments to the law to deter offenders and strengthen medicine security.
The PSN President, Ayuba Tanko, disclosed this during a press conference ahead of the society’s 99th Annual National Conference, tagged Ijele 2026, arguing that existing penalties were inadequate to discourage the lucrative trade in fake medicines.
Tanko, who attended a Senate public hearing on the proposed legislation, said the amendment provides for a fine of not less than N25 million, imprisonment of between five and 20 years, or both, alongside forfeiture of assets traceable to convicted offenders.
Beyond tougher penalties, Tanko called for full implementation of the National Drug Distribution Guidelines, approved by the Federal Ministry of Health in 2015 to facilitate the relocation of open drug markets to Coordinated Wholesale Centres.
He identified Idumota in Lagos, Headbridge in Onitsha, Sabongeri in Kano and Ariaria in Aba as the markets targeted in the first phase. He urged the Federal Government to collaborate with Lagos, Anambra and Abia states to remove obstacles delaying their projects and accelerate plans for centres in Ibadan, Enugu and Maiduguri.
On medicine affordability, Tanko urged the government to adopt a holistic approach, noting that rising costs of diesel, electricity, transportation and logistics continued to undermine interventions aimed at reducing drug prices. He called for consultations with pharmaceutical manufacturers to identify effective solutions.
These issues are expected to feature in discussions at Ijele 2026, scheduled for November 2 to 7 at the International Convention Centre, Awka, Anambra State. The conference theme is “One Health, One Pharmacy: Bridging Knowledge, Practice and Policy for National Impact.”
According to the Chairman of conference planning committee, Pharm. Derrick Osondu, the gathering is expected to attract close to 5,000 delegates, including pharmacists, healthcare professionals, regulators, policymakers, researchers, investors and development partners. More than 300 manufacturers, importers, distributors, technology providers and service organisations are also expected to participate.
He noted that the programme will feature plenary sessions, scientific presentations, policy roundtables, exhibitions and networking engagements focusing on medicines security, pharmaceutical manufacturing, regulatory excellence, digital transformation and workforce development.
The conference will also provide an opportunity to examine how pharmacists can contribute more effectively to multidisciplinary patient care and the development of Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector.
PSN said Ijele 2026 would be its final major national gathering before the society marks its centenary in March 2027, having been founded in 1927.
