Amid growing concern over the resurgence of fake and substandard medicines in Nigeria, the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has thrown its weight behind regulatory actions by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), while calling for urgent reforms and government support for local drug manufacturers.

The pharmacists say their support for NAFDAC’s enforcement efforts, including the recent closure of the notorious Sabon-Geri drug market in Kano, is driven by a disturbing trend.

According to internal research by the ACPN, more than 50 percent of drugs currently circulating in Nigeria may be fake or substandard—figures far higher than the official estimate of 13 to 15 percent.

The group warns that this mirrors the crisis levels of the 1990s and demands a systemic response to halt further deterioration.

“Almost five million unregistered drug-selling outfits are operating across Nigeria. It is only through strong enforcement partnerships and legal reform that we can protect consumers,” said ACPN National Chairman, Pharm. Ezeh Ambrose Igwekamma, in a statement ahead of the association’s 44th Annual International Conference, scheduled to take place from July 22 to 27 in Awka, Anambra State.

Themed ‘Technology Integration, Personalized Care: The Future of Community Pharmacy Practice’, the conference will serve as a rallying point for stakeholders to discuss the modernization of pharmacy practice.

Igwekamma said the event will focus on adopting cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, telepharmacy, point-of-care diagnostics, and electronic health records to improve pharmaceutical service delivery across communities.

“Personalised pharmaceutical care must take centre stage, ensuring that every Nigerian gets tailored, data-driven services from the pharmacy closest to them.

“Our goal is to shift from reactive to preventive care and restore public confidence in the drug supply chain,” he said.

In line with this vision, ACPN also lauded local pharmaceutical manufacturers for their resilience in the face of operational and regulatory challenges.

Igwekamma commended their continued production of essential medicines, even with limited government support, and called for deliberate policy incentives to ease the importation of raw materials and expand local production capacity.

He said: “Strengthening our pharmaceutical industry is not only about healthcare. It is about national security, job creation, and economic growth.

“Nigeria must position itself to take full advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area by becoming a hub for quality pharmaceutical production.”

The ACPN urged the National Assembly to urgently amend the outdated Fake Drug and Unwholesome Food Act to reflect current realities and give regulatory agencies more legal backing.

The collapse of Federal and State Task Forces on fake drugs, the group said, has left gaping holes in the nation’s ability to monitor and secure its pharmaceutical supply chain.

The upcoming conference in Awka is expected to attract more than 3,000 delegates from within and outside Nigeria, including pharmacists, researchers, policymakers, tech innovators, and healthcare entrepreneurs.

Highlights will include a symbolic walk against counterfeit medicines, technical sessions on regulatory reform and digital health, and an exhibition of pharmaceutical and health-tech innovations.

“The government of Anambra State has shown remarkable support, and we believe Awka will offer the right environment for dialogue and action.

“Together, we must build a pharmacy model that delivers impact through innovation, compassion, and community engagement,” Igwekamma said.