CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume, CON, has pledged Federal Government’s support for a stronger campaign against counterfeit medicines and confirmed his attendance as Special Guest of Honour at the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, ACPN, 45th Annual International Scientific Conference.
Senator Akume made the commitment on Thursday while receiving the ACPN leadership led by National Chairman, Pharm. Ambrose Igwekamma Ezeh, during a courtesy visit in Abuja. The delegation formally invited him to the opening ceremony of the conference.
The conference is tagged “Unity 2026” with the theme “From Local Pharmacy Practice to Global Impact: Managing Complex Political Systems.” It is scheduled to hold at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.
Describing community pharmacists as critical partners in healthcare delivery, the SGF said their presence at the grassroots makes them vital to Nigeria’s fight against fake and substandard drugs.
“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 demands the support of all of us,” Senator Akume stated.
He noted that while NAFDAC is intensifying enforcement, including a new task force in Kano to dismantle illegal drug markets, the collaboration of professional bodies like ACPN is essential to block counterfeit products at community level.
Senator Akume also urged Nigerian pharmacists to boost local pharmaceutical manufacturing through international partnerships and knowledge exchange. He cited progress made by Uganda in domestic drug production as a model Nigeria can adapt.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the SGF said focus remains on expanding access to quality healthcare, establishing more specialised medical facilities, and increasing admissions for students in medicine, pharmacy and other health disciplines.
He assured ACPN of continued support for initiatives that promote pharmaceutical excellence, medicine safety, and universal health coverage.
Earlier, Pharm. Ezeh said the conference will bring together policymakers, regulators, academics, and industry leaders to deliberate on the future of pharmacy practice and healthcare in Nigeria. He thanked the SGF for accepting the invitation and endorsing ACPN’s anti-counterfeit campaign.
Pharm. Ezeh added that modern pharmacy practice now extends beyond dispensing to include primary healthcare, disease prevention, and contributions to national development.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, OSGF, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, mni, called for stronger inter-professional collaboration to improve patient care and accelerate local drug production. He highlighted recent synergy between the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency as a positive example.
The meeting underscores renewed Federal Government commitment to building a safer healthcare system through partnership with professional bodies. With ACPN, NAFDAC and other stakeholders aligning efforts, the campaign against fake medicines and the push for local pharmaceutical production are expected to gain fresh momentum.