The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has warned that delays in implementing the National Drug Distribution Guidelines could undermine efforts to curb the circulation of counterfeit and substandard medicines, calling on the Federal and state governments to accelerate the establishment of Coordinated Wholesale Centres across the country.
The society also urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to fast-track plans to replace open drug markets with regulated wholesale centres, describing the initiative as critical to strengthening the pharmaceutical supply chain and protecting consumers.
PSN President, Ayuba Tanko, made the call at a press briefing ahead of the society’s 99th Annual National Conference, scheduled to hold from November 1 to 7, 2026, at the International Convention Centre in Awka, Anambra State.
Tanko recalled that the Federal Ministry of Health approved the National Drug Distribution Guidelines in 2015 to restructure the country’s drug distribution system by relocating open drug markets to coordinated wholesale centres.
The initiative initially targeted major drug markets in Idumota, Lagos; Headbridge, Onitsha; Sabongeri, Kano; and Ariaria, Aba.
He disclosed that Kano State had commissioned Nigeria’s first Coordinated Wholesale Centre, while the Lagos project, driven by the private sector, was expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2027.
According to him, the Anambra State Government has expressed support for the proposed centre in Oba, while Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has also pledged assistance towards the project.
The PSN president urged the Federal Government to collaborate with the Lagos, Anambra and Abia state governments to remove administrative, legal and regulatory bottlenecks delaying the projects.
He also called for the next phase of the initiative to commence, including the relocation of open drug markets in Agbeni, Ibadan; Ogbete, Enugu; and Gamboru, Maiduguri.
Tanko further appealed to the National Assembly to conclude the amendment of the Fake Drug Act and transmit it for presidential assent, saying stronger legislation was necessary to improve consumer protection and combat counterfeit medicines.
PSN seeks stronger regulation of pharmacy practice
Beyond drug distribution, the society called for a standardised framework defining the responsibilities, qualifications and professional development requirements of Consultant Pharmacists.
Tanko said clearer guidelines would promote accountability, improve workforce planning and facilitate the integration of advanced pharmacists into multidisciplinary clinical teams.
He also highlighted the PSN’s collaboration with the West African Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition to strengthen pharmacists’ contributions to clinical nutrition, medication safety and specialised pharmaceutical services.
The partnership, he said, could support training in sterile compounding, aseptic techniques and cleanroom practices, alongside quality systems for the safe preparation of parenteral nutrition.
Tanko identified the International Pharmacy Practice Residency Programme at Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, as an opportunity to strengthen postgraduate clinical training.
The programme, launched in May 2022, is under review by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, with a decision expected by March 2027.
Addressing concerns over counterfeit medicines, the PSN president advised Nigerians to purchase medicines from registered pharmacies and avoid unauthorised sellers, particularly when obtaining prescription drugs.
He stressed that patients should not bear the primary responsibility for determining whether medicines are genuine, emphasising the need for effective regulation and a reliable drug distribution system.
PSN announces 99th annual conference
Meanwhile, the society announced that its 99th Annual National Conference would bring together pharmacists and other healthcare stakeholders to discuss pharmacy practice and healthcare delivery.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Bernard Doro, is scheduled to deliver the keynote address, while Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo, will attend as special guest of honour at the opening ceremony on November 3.
The programme will feature company presentations, update lectures, exhibitions, town hall meetings, excursions, the society’s annual general meeting and a closing banquet.
Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, Derrick Osondu, said participants should expect opportunities for professional learning and networking, alongside cultural and social activities showcasing Anambra State.
