Pharmacists under the aegis of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) have called on the Federal Government to engage more pharmacists in drug regulatory and enforcement agencies, as a strategic move to strengthen the national response to drug and substance abuse. They stressed that, as custodians of medicines, pharmacists play a critical role in curbing the circulation of illicit drugs and ensuring proper drug management.
They identified key agencies where pharmacists’ expertise is urgently needed, including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC); the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA); the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN); the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS); and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).
In exclusive interviews with Pharmanews during the recent commemoration of World Drug Day 2025, the Chairman of PSN Lagos State, Pharm. Babayemi Oyekunle; former Deputy Chairman (South), Association of Lady Pharmacists (ALPs), Dr (Mrs) Modupe Ologunagba; and Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Health District 3, Dr (Mrs) Lola Jolade, all emphasised the urgent need to integrate pharmacists into drug enforcement efforts.
With over 14.3 million Nigerians reported to be drug users and more than three million suffering from drug use disorders, according to data from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), PSN’s call serves as a timely reminder of the need to empower professionals who can help turn the tide in Nigeria’s drug abuse crisis.
Pharm. Oyekunle explained that while the PSN, as a non-governmental body, can champion advocacy and community education, only the government has the authority to empower professionals for enforcement roles.
He attributed the rising misuse and abuse of drugs to the limited presence of pharmacists in critical decision-making and enforcement capacities.
“The government should include professional pharmacists in these agencies—even in enforcement. When you’re not part of the leadership, it’s difficult to drive the right policies. Sometimes, pharmacists are harassed by NDLEA operatives who don’t fully understand our legal responsibilities in drug handling. That’s a serious problem,” he stated.
Oyekunle further urged the government to sanitise the drug distribution system and ensure that drug handling is restricted to trained professionals, as is the case in developed countries.
Dr Modupe Ologunagba echoed similar sentiments, emphasising that the inclusion of pharmacists in regulatory bodies is essential for the effective implementation of drug distribution guidelines—from manufacturers to wholesalers, retailers, and ultimately, patients.
She also stressed that the fight against drug abuse must be a collective effort.
“Agencies must enforce existing policies and guidelines, while parents, schools, NGOs, and individuals must intensify awareness campaigns across all platforms,” she said.
Speaking on the theme of World Drug Day 2025, “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention,” Dr Lola Jolade highlighted the importance of sustained investment in both advocacy and enforcement. She called for stronger collaboration between drug task forces and pharmacists to identify and dismantle hubs of illicit drug activity.
“Task forces under NAFDAC and NDLEA must go into communities, locate hotspots of illegal drug sales, and ensure offenders are arrested and prosecuted,” she stated.
Dr Jolade expressed concern over the growing toll of drug abuse on Nigerian youth, citing the increasing number of school dropouts and their involvement in criminal activity due to substance misuse.
“We must save the future of this country. Everyone—families, educators, policymakers, and regulators—must rise to confront this menace,” she concluded.
