Lagos ACPN Urges Federal and State Governments to Act on Fake, Substandard Drugs
By Samuel Dike
The Lagos chapter of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has called on both the federal and Lagos state governments to urgently address the widespread circulation of fake, substandard, and unsafe medicines in the country.
The appeal was made by the Chairman of ACPN Lagos, Pharm. Tolulope Ajayi, during the association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the 10 Degrees Events Centre, Oregun, Lagos.
Speaking to community pharmacists in the state, Ajayi raised alarm over the state of drug distribution in Lagos and across Nigeria. He pointed out that while the Federal Ministry of Health has approved a task force to tackle counterfeit and substandard drugs, Lagos State is yet to inaugurate the body, unlike several other states that have already operationalised it.
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“The need for immediate action cannot be overstated,” Ajayi stressed. “This task force will complement the efforts of NAFDAC and the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) to ensure that the medicines reaching our communities are genuine and safe. A reliable drug distribution system is central to quality healthcare and Nigeria’s strides toward Universal Health Coverage.”
Ajayi also highlighted the necessity of establishing a Drug Management Agency overseen by pharmacists, describing it as a key step toward professional oversight of the nation’s medicine supply chain.
He specifically called on PCN to accelerate the completion of the Lagos Coordinated Wholesale Centre (CWC), emphasising that it is the best alternative to the current chaotic open drug markets, where medicines are often mishandled and exposed to harsh environmental conditions. “Construction is already underway, but timely completion is critical to guarantee safe and ethical pharmacy practices in Lagos,” he said.
The ACPN Lagos chairman further criticised what he described as unequal attention given to certain health professionals, urging a patient-focused approach to healthcare delivery. He noted that prioritising patients, supported by sufficient manpower and specialised facilities, is essential to achieving Universal Health Coverage and enhancing Nigeria’s standing in global healthcare indices.
Ajayi also highlighted several milestones under the current ACPN Lagos administration, including the acquisition of a permanent site at Ketu-Alapere, the launch of an advanced digital platform for member engagement, and initiatives aimed at strengthening pharmacists’ capacity through continuous education, certifications, and a comprehensive mapping of community pharmacy facilities across the state.
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“ACPN Lagos remains committed to driving reforms and supporting regulators and policymakers in improving the safety and ethics of our drug distribution system,” Ajayi concluded. “As men of honour, we will continue to advocate for professional, ethical, and patient-centred pharmacy practices across Lagos and Nigeria.”
The AGM concluded with the re-election of the state executives, giving them a renewed mandate to continue leading ACPN Lagos in its mission of growth, advocacy, and professional excellence.