The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has revealed that Nigeria currently has more than 150 licensed pharmaceutical manufacturers, with at least five of them accredited by the World Health Organization (WHO) for Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), marking a significant achievement that highlights the sector's increasing capabilities amid ongoing obstacles.
This information was disclosed before the organization's 44th National Conference, which is set to take place in Awka, Anambra State, from July 22 to 27, 2025.
During a pre-conference media briefing, the National Chairman of ACPN, Ambrose Ezeh, told journalists that the pharmaceutical industry is steadily progressing towards becoming a multi-billion-dollar sector.
"Never doubt it, the pharmaceutical industry keeps expanding despite all challenges," Pharm. Local manufacturers, including well-known Nigerian investors, are constructing Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) facilities with investments reaching tens of millions of dollars.
These initiatives are transforming the framework of the game and contributing to the establishment of pharmaceutical security in Nigeria.
He provided examples of major pharmaceutical companies, including Fidson Healthcare, which has been significantly involved in the manufacture of anti-retroviral medications, Emzor Pharmaceuticals, which recently established a Cephalosporin facility, and Jawa Pharmaceuticals, an Indian firm that has introduced a beta-lactam production unit in Nigeria.
As per Ezeh, due to recent funding and planned growth initiatives, the sector is expected to increase from its present estimated worth of $2 billion to up to $10 billion within the next five years.
The ACPN also praised Codix Healthcare for setting up a local facility to produce in-vitro diagnostic kits and medical supplies, enhancing the nation's ability to be self-sufficient in critical health products.
He mentioned that although there have been improvements, the association pointed out that the industry still needs intentional assistance from the government.
We call on the government at every level to assist pharmaceutical producers by offering specific incentives, such as access to equipment and raw materials that comply with GMP requirements.
"Local production offers significant potential for generating employment, fostering economic development, enhancing international trade, and strengthening national security," Ezeh stated.
He cautioned that poorly executed policies, like the contentious MEDIPOOL initiative, might hinder advancement if those involved, such as pharmacists, are not adequately included in discussions.
"Policies should not be created independently. The Federal Ministry of Health needs to engage more with stakeholders involved in pharmacy practice prior to implementing changes," he added.
The ACPN also urged the government to revise the Fake Drug Act to impose harsher consequences for violators and to completely enforce the National Drug Distribution Guidelines (2015), designed to clean up Nigeria's disordered pharmaceutical supply network.
Shifting focus to professional politics within the health sector, Pharm. Ezeh voiced his frustration regarding what he referred to as "the ongoing subordination of pharmacists and other healthcare professionals by physicians," whom he blamed for shaping policies in their own interest.
He stated: "The government keeps favoring doctors who desire that every title, position, or benefit in the healthcare sector be reserved solely for members of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA)."
This challenges the independent judgment of other skilled healthcare practitioners.
Ezeh also raised the question of why only doctors are selected as Chief Executive Officers of federal health institutions, and expressed concern that even though a consultant level for pharmacists was introduced in 2015, many hospitals continue to refuse to adopt it.
We, as a profession, have invested millions in training for the fellowship program that paves the way to becoming a consultant, but we face obstacles at every stage," he stated. "Ironically, doctors who get government-sponsored training frequently leave the country, while pharmacists who finance their education themselves are blocked from career advancement.
The group also took a strong position against the proposed National Health Facility Regulatory Authority (NHFRA) Bill that is currently under consideration by the National Assembly, cautioning against any effort to combine the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) with other regulatory agencies.
It is one of the factors that enabled Nigeria to reach WHO Maturity Level 3 in medicine regulation. A merger would reduce our efficiency and disrupt years of advancement.
He mentioned that international best practices in nations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and South Africa involve having independent pharmacy councils to ensure professional standards and public safety.
With the Awka conference approaching, the ACPN reaffirmed its dedication to reforms aimed at guaranteeing the availability, access, and affordability of safe and high-quality medicines in Nigeria.
The vision is distinct," Ezeh stated. "We will continue to advance, as the scripture mentions, 'I, the Lord, bring down the tall tree and cause the low tree to grow tall, I have spoken and I will accomplish it'.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).