The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) is set to host its 45th Annual International Scientific Conference in Abuja, with stakeholders expected to chart a roadmap to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system, expand access to quality medicines, and accelerate the country’s drive towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The conference, tagged “Unity 2026,” will hold from July 27 to August 1, 2026, in Abuja with the theme, “From Local Pharmacy Practice to Global Impact: Managing Complex Political Systems.”
Organisers said the conference will bring together senior government officials, healthcare policymakers, pharmaceutical experts, regulators, development partners and industry leaders to develop practical solutions to challenges affecting healthcare delivery, pharmaceutical supply chains, healthcare financing, regulation and access to medicines.
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 the largest gatherings of community pharmacists in Africa.
According to him, the conference will provide a unique platform to transform professional recommendations into practical policies that strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system.
“The conference will provide a unique opportunity to transform professional recommendations into actionable policies capable of improving healthcare access and strengthening national health security,” Dozie said.
He added that participants would gain valuable insights into optimising pharmaceutical supply chains, improving operational efficiency, managing risks and navigating increasingly complex healthcare regulations.
“The participation of senior government officials reflects the increasing recognition of community pharmacists as indispensable stakeholders in Nigeria’s healthcare architecture,” he added.
The conference will commence on July 27 with a health insurance awareness walk themed, “Health Insurance for All: Leaving No One Behind,” to be led by the Director-General of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr Kelechi Ohiri, alongside ACPN National Chairman, Pharm. Ezeh Ambrose Igwekamma.
As part of the conference, Dr Ohiri will deliver a presentation on “Leveraging NHIA–Community Pharmacists Collaboration as a Catalyst for Universal Health Coverage,” while the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Muyi Aina, will speak on “Healthcare System Strengthening and Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria.”
ACPN National Chairman, Pharm. Ezeh Ambrose Igwekamma, described Unity 2026 as a defining moment for the pharmacy profession, saying community pharmacists have become increasingly important in expanding access to healthcare and should play a more central role in primary healthcare delivery.
“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 a structured pathway for professional growth among pharmacists.
He reiterated the association’s advocacy for the formal recognition of community pharmacies as Primary Healthcare Centres, saying their accessibility and frontline presence make them critical to achieving universal health coverage.
The conference’s keynote speaker and Managing Director of Evans Therapeutics Limited, Pharm. Adewale Oyenuga, said discussions would focus on pharmaceutical manufacturing, supply chain resilience and regulatory compliance.
“Strengthening local drug production and aligning national standards with global best practices remain crucial to guaranteeing access to quality medicines and protecting public health,” Oyenuga said.
Also speaking ahead of the conference, President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Pharm. Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim, described the gathering as a watershed moment for the profession.
“Pharmacists must combine technical expertise with active policy engagement to influence healthcare governance and contribute meaningfully to national and global health targets,” Ibrahim said.
With high-level policy dialogues, scientific sessions, professional development programmes and strategic networking opportunities on the agenda, organisers expressed confidence that Unity 2026 will produce practical recommendations to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system, improve access to quality medicines, promote local pharmaceutical manufacturing and accelerate progress towards Universal Health Coverage.
