By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.
For the first time, Nigeria officially joined the global community in commemorating World Pharmacists Day on September 25, 2025. The event, themed “Think Health, Think Pharmacists”, held in Abuja, spotlighted the critical role pharmacists play in national healthcare delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, the Acting Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Ladidi Bako-Ayegbusi, emphasized the importance of integrating pharmacists into every level of healthcare in Nigeria.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, declared war on unlicensed and fake pharmacists in Nigeria. Represented by Mrs. Bako-Ayegbusi, the Minister promised tougher regulatory enforcement to eliminate quackery and counterfeit drugs.
“We have an active enforcement department that conducts routine nationwide operations to shut down illegal pharmacies. If you’re not registered with the PCN, we’ll find you and shut you down,” she stated.
She further stressed that the Federal Ministry of Health has rolled out multiple initiatives to bolster pharmaceutical regulation and access to quality medicines. These include:
The National Drug Policy promoting rational drug use.
A newly launched E-Pharmacy Policy, enhancing transparency and access through digital platforms.
The 8th Edition of the National Essential Medicines List, prioritizing life-saving medications.
These steps align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to make Nigeria the hub of pharmaceutical production in Africa.
Nigerian Pharmacists Applauded for Health Impact from Villages to Cities
Pharmacists in Nigeria were hailed as “frontline healthcare heroes” by the Ministry of Health for their role in health promotion, chronic disease management, immunization, and community-based services.
“Pharmacists are not just dispensers of medicine, they are accessible, trusted, and indispensable professionals, especially in rural communities,” Mrs. Bako-Ayegbusi said.
NAFDAC: “We’re Fighting Fake Drugs with Full Force”
At the ministerial press briefing, NAFDAC’s Director of Post-Marketing Surveillance, Mr. Bitrus Fraden, confirmed ongoing efforts to combat substandard and falsified medicines in Nigeria.
He highlighted improvements in local drug manufacturing, aided by Executive Orders for easier importation of raw materials and equipment, as well as the expansion of State Drug Management Agencies (DMAs) for better distribution. He also stressed inter-ministerial collaboration on food safety, clean water, and health access.
### From Fake Drugs to Primary Healthcare: Nigeria Strengthens Health Systems
Addressing the increasing rate of fake drugs across the country, Mrs. Bako-Ayegbusi said the Federal Government is committed to a whole-of-government approach to healthcare. According to her, this includes expanding Primary Health Care Centers across 774 local government areas, ensuring drug supply chains reach even remote communities.
“From manufacturer to patient, the chain must be transparent and safe,” a Ministry official stated.
Responding to questions, the representative of the Coordinating Minister noted that the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria has intensified its enforcement strategy. A dedicated enforcement department now carries out inspections every 15 months across states, shutting down unlicensed premises and arresting offenders.
“This crackdown has been ongoing for five years. Without registered pharmacists, you are operating illegally,” said Mrs. Bako-Ayegbusi.
Consequently, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with partners, is increasing health awareness across Nigeria. Citizens are now being trained to use SMS-based authentication codes on drug packaging to detect counterfeit products.
“Just scratch the silver coating and text the number, you’ll know immediately if the drug is real,” officials explained.
The official commemoration of World Pharmacists Day began with a community health walk led by the Federal Ministry of Health, covering over 8,000 steps from the Ministry to Area 11, Abuja. Hundreds participated, promoting healthy living and safe drug use.
In a powerful message to the public, Pharmacist Talatu Kashim, Head of the Pharmaceutical Services Division, urged Nigerians to stop buying medicines from unauthorized sellers.
“Only get your medications from registered pharmacies, and always ask to see the pharmacist,” she warned.
She also decried the rise of counterfeiters posing as pharmacists in markets, labs, and even shopping centers.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, revealed long-term plans to transform Nigeria into a continental hub for medicine production. Key strategies include:
Investment in local manufacturing.
Development of pharmaceutical human capital.
“With committed pharmacists and strategic partners, we can lead Africa in pharmaceutical excellence,” officials declared.
