The Treasurer of the Nigerian Academy of Pharmacy and past Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) Lagos Branch, Pharm. (Sir) Anthony Bola Oyawole, has called on the Federal Government to prioritize pharmacists in national health policy formulation and appoint a pharmaceutical adviser to coordinate the nation’s drug and pharmaceutical affairs.

Oyawole made this known at the D’Bio Wellness & Selfcare Summit held on September 24, 2025, at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Conference Centre, Ikeja. The event coincided with the World Pharmacists Day, marked globally under the theme “Think Health: Think Pharmacy.”

In his interview with CEOAFRICA, Oyawole emphasized the vital role pharmacists play in national healthcare delivery, noting that the profession remains one of the most accessible and trusted arms of the health system.

“Pharmacists are the most accessible healthcare professionals, and patients can easily reach out to them for consultations regarding their ailments,” he stated. “It is crucial that we recognize the contributions of pharmacists and ensure that they receive the necessary support from the government and other stakeholders.”

He urged the Federal Government to create a position for an Adviser on Pharmaceutical Matters within the national health structure, preferably occupied by a qualified pharmacist, to ensure coordinated and evidence-based management of pharmaceutical issues in the country.

“There should be an adviser on pharmaceutical matters within the Federal Government, specifically a qualified pharmacist, to coordinate all pharmaceutical issues,” he said.

Oyawole further called for the full constitution of the Governing Council of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), stressing that effective regulation of the profession cannot be achieved without a properly constituted board.

“It’s not enough to have just a chairman,” he noted. “We need to convoke the council’s inauguration and ensure that all stakeholders are held accountable in the pharmaceutical sector.”

He also used the opportunity to highlight the global recognition pharmacists receive for their role in promoting wellness, self-care, and preventive health practices. “As we celebrate with the global theme ‘Think Health: Think Pharmacy,’ we must acknowledge the pivotal role pharmacists play in healthcare worldwide,” he added. “The pharmacy profession is vital to the nation’s health, and stronger institutional and policy support is essential to maintain the wellbeing of the population.”