SGF TASKS COMMUNITY PHARMACISTS TO PARTNER WITH NAFDAC AGAINST FAKE, SUBSTANDARD DRUGS
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has called on the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) to strengthen collaboration with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in tackling the proliferation of fake and substandard drugs across the country.
The SGF made the call today in Abuja while receiving the leadership of the Association led by its National Chairman, Pharm. Ambrose Igwekanma Ezeh.
Senator Akume commended the association for its commitment to advancing pharmacy practice and improving healthcare delivery in Nigeria, describing Community Pharmacists as critical stakeholders in safeguarding public health.
He noted that the circulation of counterfeit and substandard medicines remains one of the greatest threats to Nigeria’s healthcare system, stressing that the fight against fake drugs requires the collective efforts of government institutions, professional bodies, manufacturers and the public.
“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,” the SGF stated.
Drawing from recent engagements with a Ugandan delegation, Senator Akume observed that Uganda has made significant progress in local pharmaceutical production and encouraged Nigerian Pharmacists to leverage collaboration and knowledge-sharing to strengthen domestic drug manufacturing. He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening the healthcare sector in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that healthcare delivery remains one of the administration’s key priorities.
He highlighted ongoing government efforts to establish more specialised medical facilities across the country while expanding admission opportunities for students studying medicine, pharmacy and other health-related disciplines to address the nation’s healthcare manpower needs. He assured the association of the Federal Government’s continued support for initiatives that promote quality healthcare delivery, pharmaceutical excellence and the protection of Nigerians from counterfeiti medicines.
The SGF described the ACPN’s forthcoming conference as an important platform for professional engagement, innovation and policy dialogue that would contribute to strengthening pharmacy practice and improving healthcare outcomes in Nigeria.
In a statement, Chris Ugwuegbulam, OSGF’s Head of Information & Public Relations disclosed that the SGF encouraged participants to use the conference to generate practical recommendations that would advance the profession, enhance pharmaceutical care and support national efforts toward achieving universal health coverage.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Pharm. Ambrose Igwekanma Ezeh, stated that the essence of the visit was to formally invite the SGF as the Special Guest of Honour at the opening ceremony of its 2026 Annual International Scientific Conference. He noted that the conference is designed to provide a robust platform for policy dialogue, innovation and collaboration among key stakeholders in Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
According to Pharm. Ezeh, Pharmacists have evolved beyond their traditional role as medicine experts to become strategic partners in strengthening primary healthcare, expanding access to quality medicines, advancing universal health coverage and contributing to national development.
In his welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana called for stronger collaboration among healthcare professionals and stakeholders to advance pharmacy practice, improve patient care and accelerate local pharmaceutical production in Nigeria.
He noted that pharmacy practice has undergone remarkable transformation globally and that in Nigeria, it is evolving beyond the traditional role of dispensing medicines to encompass medication administration, pharmaceutical manufacturing, research and other specialised areas that significantly enhance healthcare delivery.
“Pharmacists are healthcare professionals who interface directly with patients in the practice of pharmacy. Today, the profession has evolved beyond the prescription and dispensing of medicines into administration, production, research and several specialised fields that contribute immensely to improving patient care,” he said.
