SGF Urges Community Pharmacists To Partner NAFDAC Against Fake Drugs

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has called on the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) to strengthen collaboration with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to combat the spread of counterfeit and substandard medicines.

Akume made the appeal while receiving the leadership of the ACPN, led by its National Chairman, Pharm. Ambrose Igwekamma Ezeh, in Abuja on Thursday.

He described community pharmacists as key stakeholders in protecting public health and said the fight against fake drugs requires the collective efforts of government agencies, professional bodies, manufacturers and the public.

“The menace of fake drugs continues to pose a serious danger to the health and well-being of Nigerians. While NAFDAC is doing a great deal, it also requires the active collaboration of professional bodies such as the ACPN,” he said.

The SGF also urged Nigerian pharmacists to explore partnerships that would strengthen local pharmaceutical manufacturing, citing Uganda’s progress in domestic drug production as a model worth studying.

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving healthcare under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, highlighting ongoing efforts to expand specialised medical facilities and increase training opportunities for students studying medicine, pharmacy and other health-related courses.

Akume said the ACPN’s forthcoming 2026 Annual International Scientific Conference would provide an important platform for policy dialogue, innovation and practical recommendations aimed at strengthening pharmacy practice and advancing universal health coverage.

Earlier, ACPN National Chairman, Pharm. Ambrose Igwekamma Ezeh, said the visit was to formally invite the SGF to serve as Special Guest of Honour at the conference’s opening ceremony.

He noted that community pharmacists have evolved beyond dispensing medicines to playing a strategic role in strengthening primary healthcare, expanding access to quality medicines and supporting Nigeria’s healthcare system.