Akume tasks community pharmacists on drug access, health security

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has challenged community pharmacists to play a more strategic role in improving access to quality medicines, combating counterfeit drugs, strengthening primary healthcare and advancing Nigeria’s quest for Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Akume gave the charge at the opening ceremony of the 45th Annual International Scientific Conference of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), tagged Unity 2026, held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.

Addressing hundreds of delegates, the SGF described community pharmacists as one of the most critical stakeholders in Nigeria’s healthcare delivery system, noting that they remain the first point of healthcare contact for millions of Nigerians.

He said pharmacists occupy a unique position in ensuring that safe, effective and quality medicines are available to the public, stressing that improving access to essential medicines requires deliberate efforts to address affordability, availability and accessibility across the country.

While acknowledging the remarkable progress made by the pharmaceutical sector in advancing science and healthcare delivery, Akume observed that many Nigerians, particularly those in rural communities, still face enormous challenges in accessing quality medicines and pharmaceutical services.

According to him, government and healthcare stakeholders must work together to strengthen medicine distribution networks, eliminate supply chain disruptions and develop sustainable strategies that will guarantee uninterrupted access to medicines in underserved communities.

The SGF urged pharmacists to intensify patient education, promote health literacy and disease prevention campaigns, and continue providing evidence-based guidance to patients, healthcare professionals and policymakers on cost-effective treatment options.

He also called for stronger collaboration among government, healthcare professionals, development partners and the pharmaceutical industry to promote research, innovation and local production of medicines capable of addressing Nigeria’s healthcare challenges.

Highlighting recent policy interventions by the Federal Government, Akume recalled President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Executive Order suspending import duties, taxes and Value Added Tax (VAT) on pharmaceutical raw materials, active pharmaceutical ingredients, medical equipment and other essential healthcare inputs.

He explained that the policy was designed to reduce production costs, encourage local pharmaceutical manufacturing, improve the competitiveness of the pharmaceutical industry, create employment opportunities and ultimately make medicines more affordable and accessible to Nigerians.

The SGF further charged community pharmacists to strengthen the fight against counterfeit and substandard medicines, support national efforts to curb drug abuse and substance misuse, participate actively in disease surveillance and emergency preparedness, and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s public health response system.

He urged delegates to use the conference to deepen their clinical expertise, strengthen partnerships and develop practical solutions capable of improving healthcare delivery and reducing the burden of disease across the country.

Akume’s remarks reinforced an earlier appeal he made during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the ACPN to his office in Abuja ahead of the conference.

Receiving the delegation led by the ACPN National Chairman, Pharm. Ambrose Ezeh Igwekamma, the SGF had called on community pharmacists to deepen collaboration with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in tackling the growing menace of counterfeit and substandard medicines.

He described fake medicines as one of the greatest threats to Nigeria’s healthcare system, stressing that eliminating the menace requires coordinated action by government agencies, professional bodies, manufacturers and the public.

The SGF commended community pharmacists for their invaluable contributions to healthcare delivery, describing them as frontline professionals whose work is essential to safeguarding public health through improved access to quality medicines.

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving healthcare under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that the administration is investing in specialised health facilities while expanding admission opportunities for students studying medicine, pharmacy and other health-related disciplines to address manpower shortages in the sector.

Akume also assured the association of the Federal Government’s continued support for initiatives that promote pharmaceutical excellence, healthcare innovation and improved patient outcomes.

Earlier during the courtesy visit, ACPN National Chairman, Pharm. Ambrose Ezeh Igwekamma, said the association was at the SGF’s office to formally invite him to serve as the Special Guest of Honour at the 45th Annual International Scientific Conference of the association.

Ezeh noted that community pharmacists have evolved beyond their traditional dispensing role to become indispensable partners in strengthening primary healthcare, expanding access to quality medicines, promoting universal health coverage and supporting national development.