Gov Bago, SGF, others seek greater role for pharmacists in healthcare delivery

-As ACPN holds 45th Annual International Scientific Conference in Abuja

Governor of Niger State, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, and other stakeholders have called for a greater role for community pharmacists in strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system through improved access to quality medicines, primary healthcare delivery, policy reforms and local pharmaceutical manufacturing.

The call was made at the opening ceremony of the 45th Annual International Scientific Conference of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.

The conference, themed “From Local Pharmacy Practice to Global Impact: Managing Complex Political Systems,” brought together government officials, healthcare regulators, policymakers, pharmaceutical industry leaders and community pharmacists to deliberate on strategies for advancing pharmacy practice and improving healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

Represented by the Niger State Commissioner for Health, Dr Murtala Muhammad Bagana, Governor Bago said healthcare transformation in today’s world depends not only on scientific breakthroughs but also on visionary leadership, sound governance, resilient institutions, strategic partnerships and effective public policies.

He described community pharmacies as indispensable components of the healthcare system, noting that they remain the first point of healthcare access for many Nigerians and play critical roles in disease prevention, health promotion, medicine safety and pharmaceutical care.

The governor highlighted ongoing health sector reforms in Niger State, including investments in primary healthcare infrastructure, digital health systems and disease surveillance, while urging delegates to develop practical policy recommendations capable of strengthening community pharmacy practice and improving healthcare outcomes nationwide.

In his address, Senator George Akume described community pharmacists as critical stakeholders in Nigeria’s healthcare delivery system and urged them to intensify efforts toward improving the availability, accessibility and affordability of quality medicines across the country.

He encouraged pharmacists to strengthen public health education, promote disease prevention, support local pharmaceutical manufacturing and collaborate with government agencies in combating counterfeit medicines, substandard drugs and substance abuse.

The SGF also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to policies aimed at reducing pharmaceutical production costs, encouraging local manufacturing and expanding access to essential medicines for Nigerians.

Representing the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Chairman of the House Committee on Health, Hon. Dr Amos Gwamna Magaji, described community pharmacies as the healthcare facilities closest to the people and advocated their greater integration into the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).

He called for prompt reimbursement of services rendered by community pharmacists under the health insurance scheme, greater transparency in healthcare delivery, increased support for local pharmaceutical manufacturing and wider adoption of digital health technologies, including electronic prescriptions, to position Nigeria’s pharmacy profession for global competitiveness.

Delivering the keynote address titled “Raising Community Pharmacy Practice in Nigeria to Global Standard: Navigating the Complex Nigerian Political System,” the Managing Director of Evans Therapeutics Limited, Pharm. Adewale Oyenuga, urged community pharmacists to look beyond traditional practice by embracing innovation, strengthening policy engagement and building strategic partnerships that would reposition the profession for greater national and global relevance.

He noted that community pharmacists must become active participants in shaping healthcare policies while leveraging technology, leadership and collaboration to respond effectively to Nigeria’s evolving healthcare and political landscape.

In his goodwill message, the President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Pharm. Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim, congratulated ACPN for sustaining one of the profession’s foremost scientific conferences and reaffirmed the Society’s commitment to supporting community pharmacy practice through constructive policy engagement, inter-professional collaboration and strategic partnerships, including ongoing efforts to tackle drug abuse and strengthen pharmaceutical care.

Chairman of the PSN Board of Fellows, Pharm. Uchenna Akpakama, commended ACPN for its contributions to healthcare delivery and called for greater recognition of community pharmacists as frontline primary healthcare providers. He advocated stronger policy support, expanded NHIA coverage, improved leadership development and sustained advocacy against drug abuse.

Similarly, the Chairman of the College of Past Presidents, Pharm. Yaro Budah, urged pharmacists to remain united in advancing the profession, encouraging younger practitioners to embrace mentorship, institutional continuity and collaborative leadership while building on the achievements of senior colleagues.

Earlier, the National Chairman of ACPN, Pharm. Ambrose Ezeh Igwekamma, welcomed delegates from across Nigeria and beyond, describing the conference as a strategic platform for examining the complex political, economic and professional issues shaping contemporary community pharmacy practice.

He expressed optimism that the deliberations would generate innovative ideas and practical policy recommendations capable of repositioning community pharmacy practice, strengthening healthcare delivery and enhancing the profession’s contribution to national development.

Former PSN President, Pharm. Azubike Okwor, (second from right) presenting a plaque to the representative of the Niger State Governor, Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago, Dr Murtala Muhammad Bagana, Niger State Commissioner for Health, at the 45th Annual ACPN International Conference, tagged Unity 2026 in Abuja.