The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has called for urgent reforms in the country’s pharmacy sector, warning that the growing migration of pharmacists, weak regulation, medicine insecurity and rising substance abuse could undermine public health and national development.
The Association made the call at its 45th Annual National Scientific Conference in Abuja, held under the theme, “UNITY 2026: From Local Pharmacy Practice to Global Impact – Managing Complex Healthcare Systems.”
Speaking at the conference, ACPN National Chairman, Ezeh Ambrose Igwekamma, said pharmacists remained committed to working with government and other stakeholders to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Igwekamma disclosed that about 9,000 pharmacists had emigrated from Nigeria within four and a half years ending in December 2025.
He said that “more than 850 pharmacists obtained letters of good standing from the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria within the first six months of 2026, suggesting that many were preparing to leave the country.”
According to him, inadequate remuneration, delayed enforcement of drug distribution guidelines and poorly coordinated medicine procurement systems were among the major factors driving the exodus.
The ACPN Chairman also raised concern over the increasing prevalence of drug and substance abuse in the country.
Citing data from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Igwekamma said: “more than 21.2 million Nigerians were involved in substance abuse.”
He identified unemployment, poverty, peer pressure, weak enforcement of drug laws, porous borders, inadequate prescription controls and exposure through social media as major factors contributing to the problem.
Igwekamma therefore urged government and relevant stakeholders to strengthen regulatory enforcement, improve the welfare and working conditions of pharmacists, and address weaknesses in the pharmaceutical supply chain.
He stressed that urgent and coordinated action was needed to retain skilled health professionals in Nigeria and ensure access to safe, affordable and quality medicines.
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