The 2025 National Conference of the Pharmaceutical Wholesalers and Distributors Association of Nigeria (PWDAN), held in Lagos, has ignited a fresh wave of conversations around pharmaceutical supply chain reform in Nigeria.
Speaking recently at the 4th Annual National Conference of PWDAN, with the theme “Bridging Gaps: Integrating Pharma Wholesalers and Distributors for Medicine Security in Nigeria,” held at Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, the Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. (Mrs) Mojisola Adeyeye, described the theme as both timely and strategic, saying it touches on a critical challenge and opportunity — ensuring that the nation’s medicine supply chain is resilient, secure, transparent, and accessible to all Nigerians.
The DG, who was represented by Dr Regina Garba, deputy director, Post-Marketing Surveillance (Northwest), said the agency recognises the pivotal role that pharmaceutical wholesalers and distributors play within the healthcare delivery value chain. She stressed that without a safe, professional, and well-regulated distribution system, even the best quality medicines — whether locally manufactured or imported — cannot reach patients effectively or safely.
“Medicine security, in this regard, goes beyond availability. It also encompasses quality, authenticity, and integrity. This is a strategic national imperative, and NAFDAC remains resolute in its mandate to safeguard public health through the effective regulation and control of medicines and allied products.
“ To this end, NAFDAC has taken several important steps, including strengthening Good Distribution Practice (GDP) inspection guidelines, enhancing post-marketing surveillance and routine inspections, digitalising regulatory processes to improve efficiency, leveraging technology for real-time supply chain traceability, and promoting collaborative regulatory practices through stakeholder engagement,” she stated.
In his speech, the Registrar of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), Pharm. Ibrahim Babashehu Ahmed, declared PWDAN a trusted partner in the council’s reform agenda. “PWDAN is now our baby,” he said, drawing applause from participants.
The PCN Registrar, who was the guest of honour, said Nigeria is undoubtedly making concerted efforts to strengthen its healthcare system, but persistent gaps still threaten these strides. “The foreign exchange crisis, insecurity, fragmented last-mile delivery, and the alarming prevalence of substandard and falsified medicines continue to undermine our collective progress.”
“In light of these challenges, the recent Executive Order granting zero tariff on pharmaceutical raw materials, signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and initiated by the Coordinating Minister of Health, deserves commendation. It represents a significant step toward improving local production capacity and, ultimately, medicine security,” he added.
“Medicine is not just another commodity — it is a life-saving product. When it’s handled carelessly or traded recklessly, we jeopardize not only individual lives but the credibility of our entire health system. That is why integration, transparency, and strict regulatory compliance in the pharmaceutical supply chain are non-negotiable,” he said.
Speaking in the same vein, the President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Pharm. Tanko Ayuba , said all players — manufacturer, importer, distributor, wholesaler, or retailer — must understand and respect their specific roles, adding that only then can Nigeria achieve an organized, efficient, and secure medicine distribution system.
The PSN boss, who admitted he was unaware of PWDAN before assuming office, said he became one of its strongest advocates after engaging with the leadership, pledging to involve the association in all future advocacy visits to government agencies.
The chairman of the occasion, Dr Fidelis Ayebae, who recently retired as Managing Director of Fidson Healthcare Plc, said he accepted the invitation to chair the conference because of his deep concern about the chaotic, fragmented, and often unregulated nature of Nigeria’s pharmaceutical supply chain. He expressed confidence in PWDAN’s strategic positioning to be part of the solution.
“Let me also commend every member of PWDAN for flying the banner of professionalism high since your emergence into public consciousness just four years ago. Many of us watched cautiously from the sidelines, wary of whether this would become yet another fragmented or politically-driven group. But today, I can proudly say that you’ve remained focused, business-oriented, and united in your objectives,” he said.
“In that spirit, I challenge you all: embrace collaboration, pursue pooled procurement strategies, and leverage your numbers to negotiate better terms in the market. If you cannot buy a container alone, why not team up with four or five of your colleagues? This is how you grow influence and efficiency in business,” he advised.
Earlier in his opening speech, the National Chairman of PWDAN, Pharm. Ogheneochuko Omaruaye, stated that the conference is an annual event aimed at bringing stakeholders in the pharmaceutical supply chain together to discuss ways to resolve challenges in the sector.
The PWDAN boss emphasised the urgent need for collaboration across the pharmaceutical industry to ensure the integrity of Nigeria’s medicine distribution system.
Omaruaye stressed that PWDAN is not just another stakeholder, but the backbone of the pharmaceutical supply chain. “We are the ones invested in doing things the right way — through legitimate channels, with integrity, and with the health of Nigerians in our hearts. We are not just here for business. We are here to serve,” he said.
Speaking at the event, the Keynote Speaker, Pharm. Dennis Aizobu, managing director of SFH Access, said pharmacists need to make more noise to be heard and recognised. He lamented that pharmacists in the country are not playing at the top level and said it is time to change the narrative and push for more favourable policies that will improve pharmacy practice in Nigeria.
The President of PSN, Pharm. Tanko Ayuba, flanked by Dr Fidelis Ayebae, chairman of the occasion (left) and Pharm. Ogeneochuko Omaruaye, chairman, PWDAN, (right), and other participants at the 4th annual conference of PWDAN, in Lagos.
L-R, Pharm. Ibrahim Babasheu Ahmed, registrar, PCN; Pharm. Tanko Ayuba, president, PSN; Pharm. Ogheneochuko Omaruaye, chairman, PWDAN; Pharm. Ambrose Ezeh, national chairman, ACPN; and Pharm. Adebayo Afon, chairman, Conference Planning Committee, at the 4th annual conference of PWDAN
