Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, CON, has called for tighter collaboration between the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria and NAFDAC to rid Nigeria’s drug supply chain of counterfeit and substandard medicines. He made the call on Thursday in Abuja during a courtesy visit by ACPN’s national leadership led by Chairman, Pharm. Ambrose Igwekamma Ezeh. The delegation formally invited the SGF to the association’s 45th Annual International Scientific Conference, which he accepted to open as Special Guest of Honour. The conference, themed “From Local Pharmacy Practice to Global Impact: Managing Complex Political Systems” and tagged “Unity 2026,” will hold at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.
Senator Akume described community pharmacists as frontline defenders in public health, noting their strategic role in spotting fake drugs at the grassroots. He said the proliferation of counterfeit medicines remains a major threat and requires a united effort by regulators, professionals, manufacturers and citizens. While commending NAFDAC’s ongoing nationwide enforcement — including a new task force in Kano targeting illegal drug markets — he urged ACPN to work closely with the agency to block fake products from reaching consumers. The SGF also encouraged stronger local pharmaceutical manufacturing through global partnerships, pointing to Uganda’s progress as a reference point, and reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to expanding healthcare access, specialised facilities, and training for health workers under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Pharm. Ezeh said the ACPN conference will convene policymakers, regulators, academics and industry players to address key issues in pharmacy practice and healthcare delivery. The SGF urged participants to come up with actionable solutions to strengthen pharmaceutical care and advance universal health coverage. Permanent Secretary, GSO, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, mni, also stressed the need for greater inter-professional cooperation to improve patient outcomes and boost local production. Responding, Pharm. Ezeh thanked the SGF for the support and pledged ACPN’s commitment to partnering with NAFDAC and other agencies to ensure medicine safety and protect Nigerians from fake drugs.
