The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has praised local drug manufacturers for their ongoing efforts to improve healthcare and support the economy, even though they face many serious challenges in their work.
This praise comes ahead of the ACPN’s 44th Annual International Conference, which will take place from July 22 to July 27, 2025, in Awka, Anambra State.
In a statement on Sunday, ACPN National Chairman, Ezeh Igwekamma, said he was pleased with how Nigerian pharmaceutical companies continue to produce important, high-quality medicines despite difficulties.
He said these companies have helped more people get access to life-saving drugs and have made Nigeria’s supply of medicines more secure.
Despite problems like inflation, high import costs, and poor infrastructure, many local companies are still committed to making Nigeria self-sufficient in medicine production.
He said if the government gives more support, the pharmaceutical sector could not only meet Nigeria’s needs but also grow to serve the whole African continent.
Igwekamma said, “We must appreciate our local manufacturers who keep producing quality medicines despite the odds. They are the quiet heroes helping us reach health coverage for all.”
He explained that the government should help drug companies by giving tax breaks on imported raw materials and making it easier for them to get funding for new ideas.
He added that smart government support would help make it easier to import the materials needed to produce medicines and encourage local production.
He believes that with the right policies and enough funding, the industry can not only provide medicine but also create jobs, boost the economy, and strengthen national security.
He said building a strong local drug industry is not just helpful—it is urgently needed for the country’s safety and health.
He warned that relying too much on imported drugs makes Nigeria vulnerable to global supply problems and rising foreign exchange costs.
He said, “We can’t keep depending on other countries for our medicines. Making drugs locally helps us take care of ourselves, lowers costs, improves quality, and makes medicine more available.”
The ACPN chairman also said Nigeria must take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), one of the world’s biggest trade areas.
He said Nigeria’s pharmaceutical industry could play a big role in Africa if it gets the right support and tools.
“The AfCFTA gives us big opportunities to trade drugs across Africa, but we need to be strong and ready. We need smart investments and government policies to help us compete,” he said.
Igwekamma also said the conference theme highlights the need to improve community pharmacy in Nigeria by using new technologies like artificial intelligence, telepharmacy, and digital health records.
He explained that combining these technologies with personal care will lead to better treatment results and more efficient pharmacy services.
He announced that the conference will include a symbolic walk against fake drugs, along with educational sessions, technology exhibits, and cultural activities.
He said the anti-fake drug campaign is a key part of ACPN’s mission to make Nigeria’s medicine supply safer and more trustworthy.
He said the group is using this conference to push for stronger laws against fake drugs and unsafe processed foods. He wants the law changed so regulators can better fight bad products in the market.
As the conference date approaches, ACPN is calling on everyone involved in healthcare—government, regulators, schools, and businesses—to work together to improve community pharmacy services in Nigeria.
Igwekamma said, “Now is the time to invest in pharmacy. We all must help community pharmacies stay strong in delivering basic healthcare, with the right tools, technology, and support.”
The 2025 ACPN conference is themed “Technology Integration, Personalized Care: The Future of Community Pharmacy Practice,” and it’s expected to bring together over 3,000 people, including pharmacists, researchers, tech experts, health business leaders, and policy makers from Nigeria and other countries.
