In this engaging interview with Adebayo Oladejo, Pharm. (Mrs) Munirat Kikelomo Bello, the Kwara State chairperson of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), discusses the evolving landscape of pharmacy practice in the state. From her professional journey to the challenges of leadership, government neglect, and ongoing reforms in the community pharmacy sector, she offers a candid look at the progress made and the work that still lies ahead. Excerpts:
Tell us a bit about your professional background and how you ventured into community pharmacy.
My journey into community pharmacy began in 2010 in Lagos. I had developed a strong interest in the field during my SIWES internship at Nana Pharmacy in Kaduna. What attracted me most was the autonomy and flexibility the practice offers. After completing my internship at Eko Hospital, Ikeja, and my National Youth Service at Military Hospital, Lagos, I set up Wamok Pharmacy in the Ijegun area of Lagos.
During my time in Lagos, I was actively involved in ACPN activities, particularly in Ikotun Zone, where I served as treasurer between 2010 and 2012. I hold a degree in Pharmacy from the University of Jos, which I earned in 2007.
What inspired your decision to lead ACPN in Kwara State, and how has the journey been?
I’ve always been passionate about giving back and making a difference in my community. With my background in Kaduna and Lagos, I felt I could contribute meaningfully to the growth of community pharmacy practice in Kwara State when I relocated in 2015 due to family reasons. Though I’m originally from Ilorin, it felt like a homecoming. Assuming this role has been fulfilling and has allowed me to champion better healthcare delivery.
As the first female ACPN chairperson in Kwara, what unique challenges have you faced, and how have they shaped your leadership?
There were initial doubts about my candidacy, mainly due to cultural and gender biases. Some people believed a woman could not lead in a setting like Kwara, but I also received a lot of encouragement. I was reminded that leadership should be about competence, not gender. Despite the resistance, I stayed the course and received enough support to succeed. These experiences strengthened my resolve and made me a more inclusive and resilient leader.
How would you describe the state of community pharmacy in Kwara?
When I moved here in 2015, I noticed a significant gap compared to what I had experienced in Kaduna and Lagos. Kwara is industrially strong, with four to five pharmaceutical companies, one of the highest concentrations in the North Central zone, but community pharmacy practice was more product-focused than patient-oriented. Over time, with collaboration from PCN, the Pharmaceutical Inspection Committee, and regulatory bodies, we’ve started to shift towards a patient-focused model. Community pharmacies are increasingly being seen as primary healthcare providers, not just drug outlets.
Is community pharmacy practice in Kwara profitable?
There’s a perception that it’s not lucrative, but I disagree. The market is competitive due to the presence of big players, but there are gaps that community pharmacists can fill. By offering value-added, patient-centered services, pharmacists can attract more patronage. The land is still fertile, we just need to shift our model from mere dispensing to genuine healthcare delivery.
How has government support impacted community pharmacy in Kwara?
Unfortunately, community pharmacies are grossly neglected. During COVID-19, while manufacturers accessed single-digit loans and incentives, community pharmacists were left out. Despite being crucial to the pharmaceutical value chain, we have not received adequate financial support. We’re currently burdened with high-interest loans, making it hard for small businesses to thrive. We need government-backed interventions and long-term, low-interest loans to grow sustainably.
What about government presence at your activities and programmes?
We are still working on strengthening our relationship with the government at the ACPN level. While PSN Kwara has enjoyed notable support, ACPN as a technical arm is still pushing for more collaboration and visibility.
How is ACPN Kwara tackling the issue of unregulated drug outlets?
ACPN works closely with PCN and the state’s Pharmaceutical Inspection Committee to combat this challenge. However, we face an overwhelming number of patent medicine vendors—over 17,000 in Ilorin metropolis alone. Many of them operate beyond their legal scope, stocking and selling controlled drugs illegally, which contributes to drug abuse.
Our stance is clear: new patent medicine vendors should no longer be registered in areas where there are already enough pharmacies. We must protect our professional space, otherwise the professionals won’t be able to survive and the society will suffer.
What are some of your notable achievements since taking office?
We’ve strengthened collaboration with regulators to reduce the “register-and-go” syndrome, ensuring more pharmacists are physically present in their premises. We’ve also increased public engagement through radio programmes and rural outreach initiatives. During last year’s World Malaria Day, for example, we conducted free testing and health education in Bode Sadu.
Additionally, we’ve organised capacity-building programmes, including a business summit. We’re also launching a drug loan scheme, an interest-free, six-month revolving fund to help members procure medicines without relying on high-interest loans.
What legacy do you hope to leave as ACPN chairperson and as its first female leader?
I want to see more young pharmacists owning and running community pharmacies. Reducing the “japa” syndrome by supporting them with mentorship, financial help, and knowledge is a top priority. Our future lies in empowering the next generation to stay, grow, and thrive in Nigeria.
What peculiar challenge do you think is unique to Kwara in comparison to other states?
The lack of wholesale-retail separation is a major issue. In Kwara, every wholesaler is also a retailer, which is unlike the situation in places like Lagos or Edo where the dichotomy is clear. This blurs professional lines and invites non-pharmacists into the practice space, limiting opportunities for trained pharmacists. It’s a longstanding problem, but we’re committed to advocating for regulatory reform.
Kwara is strategically positioned, with growing infrastructure, proximity to Lagos, and an expanding economy. With the right enforcement and support, we can elevate the practice of pharmacy to its full potential
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