The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), 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) to eliminate counterfeit and substandard medicines from Nigeria’s pharmaceutical supply chain.
The SGF made the call in Abuja while receiving the leadership of ACPN, led by its National Chairman, Pharm. Ambrose Igwekamma Ezeh, during a courtesy visit.
He also accepted the association’s invitation to serve as Special Guest of Honour at the opening ceremony of its 45th Annual International Scientific Conference, tagged “Unity 2026.”
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The conference, themed “From Local Pharmacy Practice to Global Impact: Managing Complex Political Systems,” is scheduled to be held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.
The SGF described community pharmacists as indispensable partners in Nigeria’s healthcare system, noting that their presence within communities places them in a strategic position to help identify counterfeit medicines and prevent them from reaching the public.
He stressed that the fight against fake drugs requires collaboration among regulators, healthcare professionals, manufacturers and citizens.
“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,” Akume said.
He noted that the call comes as NAFDAC intensifies enforcement operations across the country to dismantle illegal drug markets, disrupt counterfeit medicine networks and address drug abuse linked to substandard pharmaceutical products.
The SGF also urged pharmacists to support local pharmaceutical manufacturing through international partnerships and knowledge exchange, citing Uganda’s progress in domestic drug production as an example worthy of emulation.
Akume reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to healthcare reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, including efforts to expand access to quality healthcare and increase admission opportunities for students studying medicine, pharmacy and other health-related disciplines.
Earlier, the ACPN National Chairman, Mr Ezeh, said the visit was aimed at formally inviting the SGF to the conference, which will bring together policymakers, healthcare professionals, regulators, academics and industry leaders to discuss the future of pharmacy practice and healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
He thanked the SGF for accepting the invitation and for supporting the association’s campaign against counterfeit medicines.
Mr Ezeh assured them that community pharmacists would continue to strengthen collaboration with NAFDAC and other regulatory agencies to safeguard public health.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, called for stronger collaboration among healthcare professionals to improve patient care, strengthen pharmacy practice and accelerate local pharmaceutical production.
