On February 28, 2025, the National Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Pharm. Ambrose Igwekanma Ezeh, led a team on a courtesy visit to the Registrar of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), Pharm. Ibrahim Babashehu Ahmed, in Abuja. This important meeting aimed to solidify the partnership between the ACPN and PCN in their shared mission to advance pharmacy practice and protect public health.
In his address, Pharm. Ezeh emphasized the necessity of enhancing collaboration for effective regulation, remarking, “Community pharmacists play an indispensable role in primary healthcare, offering accessible, patient-centered pharmaceutical care. However, for us to effectively fulfill this role, we must work hand in hand with our regulator, PCN, to ensure an enabling environment that upholds the highest ethical and professional standards.”
He acknowledged the commitment of PCN to enforce the Pharmacy Act 2022, pledging ACPN’s support in promoting compliance among its members. He highlighted the urgent need for robust engagement to combat illegal drug distribution channels, unlicensed operators, and quackery that threaten public health and the integrity of the profession. “With NAFDAC working tirelessly to eradicate falsified and substandard medicines, we must leverage this momentum to establish a drug distribution system that Nigeria can be proud of,” he stated. Pharm. Ezeh suggested that the Council partner with ACPN to entrench a regulatory framework endorsing an IT-based drug distribution system for community pharmacists, like the P2P solution that was recently introduced by ACPN.
By adopting an IT-based system, Pharm. Ezeh explained, community pharmacists could enhance efficiency, accountability, and traceability within the drug distribution process. The P2P solution, which represents a modern approach to pharmaceutical logistics, aims to bridge the gap between manufacturers, distributors, and community pharmacists. “This initiative not only modernizes our operations but also safeguards public health by ensuring that medicines are sourced and distributed through legitimate channels,” he added.
Addressing the welfare of community pharmacists, he noted the daunting challenges they face, including economic hardship, high operational costs, and security concerns. “The well-being of pharmacists is central to a functional healthcare system. We appeal to PCN to champion policies that protect and empower community pharmacists,” he urged. He called for initiatives to streamline regulatory compliance processes and curb illegal medicine outlets while promoting the expansion of internship centers for pharmacy graduates. “ACPN has developed a structured internship framework that will align with PCN's objectives, ensuring that interns receive standardized, high-quality apprenticeship in community pharmacy practice,” he stated.
Pharm. Ezeh also stressed the importance of promoting a safe and conducive practice environment. “We cannot afford to operate in a system where non-professionals dictate medicine distribution at the expense of patient safety,” he said, urging PCN to intensify its regulatory oversight and establish Coordinated Wholesale Centres (CWCs) across Nigeria. He emphasized the need for collaboration with security agents to eradicate illegal drug hawkers and unlicensed medicine outlets, ensuring the safety of the public.
In conclusion, Pharm. Ezeh asserted, “Our profession stands at a critical juncture. Now, more than ever, collaboration between ACPN and PCN is essential to safeguarding the integrity of pharmacy practice and ensuring that community pharmacists thrive in a conducive and regulated environment.” He reaffirmed ACPN’s commitment to working closely with PCN to uphold the highest professional standards, protect public health, and improve the welfare of their members.
Pharm. Ezeh’s address resonated with the audience, highlighting the vital role of community pharmacists in Nigeria’s healthcare system and the importance of a unified approach to tackle current challenges. The ACPN looks forward to a strengthened partnership with the PCN, aimed at advancing pharmacy practice for the collective good of all Nigerians.
