Professionals seek presidential committee to reform pharmaceutical sector 

The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria has urged the Federal Government to set up a presidential committee to oversee reforms in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector. 

The call was made in a statement issued by the association’s National Chairman, Ambrose Ezeh, and National Secretary, Omokhafe Ashore, following the government’s decision to ban the importation of medicines that can be sufficiently produced locally. 

According to the pharmacists, the proposed committee would coordinate efforts to improve drug manufacturing, regulation, and distribution nationwide. They explained that such intervention is needed to tackle persistent challenges affecting access to safe, affordable medicines. 

The association said the committee, if established, would drive policies that encourage local drug production and ensure full implementation of the National Drug Distribution Guidelines approved by the Federal Government.  

It would also strengthen legal measures to curb the circulation of counterfeit medicines, including pushing for tougher penalties through amendments to existing laws. 

In addition, the ACPN noted that the committee would support reforms in pharmaceutical training, particularly within the National Postgraduate College of Pharmacists, to build a stronger pool of industry and clinical experts. 

The pharmacists stressed that these reforms are vital to protecting public health and improving the country’s pharmaceutical value chain, noting that effective implementation would benefit consumers both medically and economically. 

On the recent import restriction, the association said the policy is aimed at boosting local manufacturing capacity and conserving foreign exchange. It added that, if properly enforced alongside reduced duties on medicines, the measure could enhance the affordability and availability of drugs across the country.