Pharm. Olumide Akintayo, a past president of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), presented an insightful research paper during the plenary session at the 26th Annual National Scientific Conference of the Association of Hospital and Administrative Pharmacists of Nigeria (AHAPN) on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at the SIO Event Centre.

His presentation, titled "Imperatives of the New Pharmacy Council of Nigeria Act 2022," provided valuable perspectives on the significant changes and implications of the newly enacted legislation.

During his address, Akintayo emphasized the historical context of pharmacy regulation in Nigeria, noting that the current legal framework dates back to the late 1800s. “In Nigeria today, we have two major law—Pharmacy Laws and Drug Laws. These are the laws regulating and controlling pharmacy practice and drugs date back to 1878 when the Lagos Pilotage and Harbour Ordinance was established for control and supervision of medicines on board the ships docked in Lagos Harbour at that time,” he remarked.

He highlighted how the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria has evolved from its historical origins to adopt a more comprehensive approach that includes various stakeholders in the pharmaceutical industry.

A key change introduced by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria Act 2022 is the rebranding from the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria to the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), reflecting a broader regulatory mandate that encompasses all pharmaceutical stakeholders and facilities in both the public and private sectors.

Akintayo emphasized that this change represents “a first-time integration of pharmacy technicians and various other stakeholders into a comprehensive regulatory framework,” marking a significant advancement since the institution's inception over a century ago.

The Act also includes crucial provisions to enhance the relationship between the PCN and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). Akintayo noted that “the inclusion of the NAFDAC Director-General on the council has a tendency to improve inter-agency collaboration, which is essential to resolving issues in our drug distribution channels."

He elaborated on several notable sections of the Act, stating that it delineates clear responsibilities for pharmacy practice regulation, including defining standards for the registration of intern pharmacists, licensure for internship training, and establishing a code of conduct for all pharmacy professionals, technicians, and patent medicine dealers. “For the first time, the PCN has the legal authority to register and regulate all stakeholders connected to pharmacy practice,” he asserted, underscoring the importance of these provisions in strengthening the profession's integrity.

Akintayo urged pharmacy professionals to reflect critically on the legislative landscape, especially regarding potential discriminations as outlined in the 1999 Constitution. He challenged the current structure that restricts the positions of Chief Medical Directors exclusively to physicians, labeling such restrictions as potentially unconstitutional.

“It is a discriminatory act within the purview of the 1999 constitution, which prohibits discrimination against any citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria based on gender, social, cultural, or religious affiliations,” he argued, calling for a reevaluation of these regulations.

Following his lecture, pharmacy professionals engaged in a lively question-and-answer session, eager to delve deeper into the implications of the new Act and its impact on their practices. Participants expressed gratitude for the insights shared and the opportunity to discuss pressing issues facing the profession.

The discussion fostered a sense of unity and purpose among attendees, reinforcing their commitment to advancing pharmacy practice in Nigeria under the new regulatory framework. As the conference progresses, it is clear that the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria Act 2022 serves not only as a legal guideline but also as a beacon of hope for the future of pharmaceutical care in Nigeria, creating a platform for collaboration and innovation in a rapidly evolving healthcare environment.