The Lagos State Branch of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has urged the federal and Lagos state governments to take urgent action against the proliferation of fake, unwholesome, and substandard drugs in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
The call was made by the Chairman of ACPN Lagos, Pharm. Tolulope Ajayi, during the association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), held at the 10 Degrees Events Centre, Oregun, Lagos.
Addressing the Community Pharmacists in the State, Ajayi expressed deep concern over the current state of drug distribution in Lagos and across the country. He highlighted that the Federal Task Force for counterfeit and substandard drugs, which has been approved by the Federal Ministry of Health, is yet to be inaugurated in Lagos State, despite many other states having activated the body.
“The time to act is now,” Ajayi emphasized. “This task force is critical to complement the efforts of NAFDAC and the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) in ensuring that medicines circulating in our communities are genuine and safe. The integrity of our drug distribution system directly impacts the quality of healthcare outcomes and the nation’s progress toward Universal Health Coverage.”
Ajayi also stressed the urgent need for the establishment of a Drug Management Agency managed by pharmacists, noting that such an agency would provide oversight and professional management of Nigeria’s medicine supply chain.
He singled out the need for the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) to expedite the construction of the Lagos Coordinated Wholesale Centre (CWC) within the set timelines, noting that it represents the best available alternative to the chaotic open drug markets where medicines are currently exposed to weather elements and handled unethically. “While construction is ongoing, it is imperative that the project be completed promptly to ensure safe and ethical pharmaceutical practice in Lagos,” he said.
The ACPN Lagos chairman further criticized what he described as preferential treatment of certain professionals within the health sector, calling instead for a patient-centered approach to healthcare delivery. He argued that a stronger focus on patient care, supported by adequate manpower and facilities at all levels of specialization and critical care, is essential to achieving Universal Health Coverage and improving Nigeria’s global healthcare ranking.
Ajayi also used the AGM platform to highlight the achievements of ACPN Lagos under the current administration, including the acquisition of a permanent site at Ketu-Alapere, development of a robust digital platform for member engagement, and efforts to strengthen capacity building through continuing education, certifications, and mapping of all community pharmacy facilities in the state.
“Lagos ACPN is committed to driving change and supporting regulators and policymakers to sanitize our drug distribution system,” Ajayi concluded. “We are men of honor, and we will continue to advocate for safe, ethical, and professional pharmacy practice across Lagos and Nigeria.”
The AGM also re-elected the state executives, reaffirming their mandate to lead ACPN Lagos in achieving its objectives of growth, advocacy, and professional excellence.