The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has raised concerns over the alarming rate of fake drugs in the country.

It recalled that in 1988, the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), conducted studies on Nigeria’s drug distribution system, revealing that 33 per cent of drugs in circulation were fake, seven per cent of which were fatally harmful.

“This grim statistic led to the enactment of Decree 21 of 1988 on fake and counterfeit substances, later amended by Decree 17 of 1989. However, by 1998, a review by the University of Lagos’ Faculty of Pharmacy found an even bleaker outlook: 49.6 per cent of counterfeit drugs originated from Open Drug Markets (ODM), and 32.8 per cent from Patent Medicine Vendors, with 12.8 per cent of such cases resulting in fatalities.

“Despite progress made under the late Prof. Dora Akunyili’s tenure as Director-General of NAFDAC between 2001 and 2009, concerns about substandard and counterfeit medicines have re-emerged,” the body said.

The observations by the association suggest that fake and substandard drugs now constitute more than 50 per cent of circulating medicines, contrary to official claims of 13–15 per cent. Lax regulatory enforcement, the dormancy of Federal and State Task Forces, and a growing fake beverage market further compound the crisis.

The ACPN is therefore urging the National Assembly to urgently amend the Fake Drug and Unwholesome Food Act to create a more effective legal framework.

Speaking on the sidelines of this escalating challenge, ACPN National Chairman, Pharm. Ezeh Ambrose Igwekamma, announced the 44th Annual International Conference of the association. Scheduled to hold in Awka, Anambra State from July 22 to July 27, 2025, the conference carries the theme “Technology Integration, Personalized Care: The Future of Community Pharmacy Practice.”

According to Igwekamma, the conference aims to reposition community pharmacy at the heart of Nigeria’s healthcare transformation through innovation, digital solutions, and personalised pharmaceutical care.

The event will attract over 3,000 local and international delegates, including healthcare professionals, regulators, researchers, and industry stakeholders. Key highlights will include a Walk Against Fake and Counterfeit Medicines, keynote lectures by global thought leaders, technology exhibitions, interactive panels, and workshops focused on health innovation and pharmaceutical entrepreneurship. The conference will also feature social engagements such as a cultural night, gala awards, and leadership roundtables.

Igwekamma praised the Anambra State Government for its robust support and called on all stakeholders to rally behind the conference. He emphasised the need for synergy between technology and compassion to rebuild trust in Nigeria’s healthcare delivery system.

“Together, we shall build a community pharmacy model that delivers impact through innovation and compassion,” he said, reiterating the association’s commitment to safeguarding public health and restoring integrity in drug distribution.