ACPN Raises Alarm over Rising Fake Drugs, Seeks Legislative Action

-As Community Pharmacists gear up for 44th Annual Int’l Conference in Awka

The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has raised fresh concerns over the alarming resurgence of fake and substandard medicines in the country, warning that Nigeria risks slipping back into the pre-2001 era when counterfeit drugs made up more than half of medicines in circulation.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos to announce preparations for the ACPN’s 44th Annual International Conference, scheduled to take place from 22 to 27 July, 2025, in Awka, Anambra State, the National Chairman, Pharm. Ambrose Igwekamma Ezeh, described the current situation as a looming health and security emergency.

Ezeh stated that recent research-based findings indicate that over 50 percent of medicines on the Nigerian market may now be fake or substandard. He attributed this disturbing trend to the weakening of regulatory enforcement and the inactivity of both federal and state task forces on counterfeit drugs, despite some efforts by NAFDAC.

He warned that illegal and unregulated drug outlets have continued to multiply across the country, creating an environment where dangerous products can thrive unchecked.

He cited historical precedents, noting that a 1988 WHO/Federal Ministry of Health report found that 33 percent of drugs in Nigeria were fake, with 7 percent resulting in fatalities. A 1998 study by the University of Lagos revealed that 49.6 percent of fake drugs came from open drug markets, 32.8 percent from patent medicine vendors, and 12.8 percent of such cases ended in death.

While acknowledging the legacy of reforms led by the late Prof. Dora Akunyili at NAFDAC between 2001 and 2009, Ezeh lamented that those gains have largely eroded. He disclosed that over five million unregistered drug-selling outlets are currently operating across Nigeria.

To address the situation, he called on the National Assembly to urgently amend the Fake Drug and Unwholesome Processed Food Act, which he said no longer reflects the scale or complexity of the counterfeit drug industry. He also revealed that the fake drug trade has expanded to include counterfeit alcoholic beverages and food products, which he described as a multi-billion-naira operation posing a serious national security threat.

Despite the setbacks, Ezeh noted a major breakthrough in January 2024, when NAFDAC and the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria successfully shut down the Sabon-Gari Open Drug Market in Kano, simultaneously launching Nigeria’s first Coordinated Wholesale Centre (CWC)—a regulated alternative to chaotic open markets designed under the 2015 National Drug Distribution Guidelines.

He reaffirmed ACPN’s support for the CWC model, stating, “We are not against businesses; we are for doing things right. Stakeholder engagement in Anambra and other states is ongoing, and projects are underway to ensure compliance with national drug distribution guidelines.”

Speaking about the upcoming conference, Ezeh emphasized that this year’s event, themed “Technology Integration and Personalized Care: The Future of Community Pharmacy Practice,” will provide a platform to explore how digital innovation can help track, trace, and eliminate counterfeit drugs from Nigeria’s supply chain. He added that the conference will promote a model of pharmacy that is data-driven, tech-enabled, and people-centred, with community pharmacists positioned as trusted frontline providers.

Speaking on behalf of the Conference Planning Committee (CPC), the organisers extended an open invitation to pharmacists, healthcare stakeholders, and the general public to attend the weeklong event.

According to CPC Chairman, Pharm. Lawrence Ekhator, who is also the Immediate Past Chairman of ACPN Lagos, the theme was carefully chosen to reflect the urgent need to leverage technology to optimise patient care and health outcomes.

“Technology has become inseparable from daily life, and pharmacy practice must not be left behind,” Ekhator said. “We are committed to showcasing cutting-edge solutions that enhance patient outcomes through community-based pharmaceutical care.”

Ekhator also highlighted the cultural dimension of the conference, revealing that in addition to technical sessions, exhibitions, and keynote addresses, the event will feature a gala night, Africana-themed celebrations, and a closing banquet. “The people and government of Anambra State have assured us of top-tier support. This synergy will make the conference a remarkable milestone in history,” he noted.

A key highlight of the conference is the planned commissioning of a Pharmacare Centre in a remote community in Anambra State. Built by ACPN National and donated free of charge, the facility is designed to improve access to quality medicines in underserved areas.

In response to a question about what sets the 2025 conference apart, Pharm. Ekhator said delegates will leave not only with professional insights but also with a deeper appreciation of Anambra’s rich heritage and hospitality. “This year’s event is about knowledge, impact, and cultural integration,” he said.

“With over 3,000 delegates expected, including pharmacists, researchers, policymakers, and international partners, the 2025 ACPN Conference is positioned to be one of the most impactful gatherings in the association’s history”, he said.