Ishioma Appiah-Yeboah
The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has lauded indigenous pharmaceutical manufacturing companies for their resilience and growing contribution to the nation’s healthcare system, despite prevailing economic and operational challenges.
In a statement issued ahead of its 44th Annual International Conference slated for July 22–27, 2025, the ACPN commended the companies for their role in producing essential medicines, advancing local drug manufacturing, expanding access to healthcare, and bolstering the Nigerian economy.
Themed “Technology Integration, Personalized Care: The Future of Community Pharmacy Practice,” the upcoming conference aims to spotlight the transformation of pharmacy practice through digital innovation. The ACPN emphasized the need for community pharmacists to adopt emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, telepharmacy, and electronic health records, while embracing patient-centered care models that promote better treatment outcomes.
National Chairman of ACPN, Pharm. Ezeh Ambrose Igwekamma, urged the government to provide targeted support to pharmaceutical manufacturers in Nigeria, particularly through incentives that ease the importation of raw materials and support local drug production.
“Strengthening the pharmaceutical industry through policy support and investment is key to improving medicine accessibility, creating jobs, boosting economic growth, and ensuring national security,” Igwekamma stated.
He further noted that Nigeria must strategically position itself to harness the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) one of the world’s largest free trade zones—by promoting local manufacturing and reducing dependence on imported pharmaceutical products.
The 2025 ACPN Conference is expected to attract over 3,000 delegates, including pharmacists, technologists, researchers, policymakers, and healthcare entrepreneurs from Nigeria and abroad. Key events will include a symbolic walk against fake and counterfeit medicines, technical sessions, innovation exhibitions, and a cultural night.
As part of its advocacy efforts, the ACPN is also pushing for urgent reforms and a strengthened legal framework through the amendment of the Fake Drug and Unwholesome Processed Food Act, to curb the circulation of substandard medicines.
The association called on all healthcare professionals and industry stakeholders to unite in the mission of modernizing community pharmacy and building a more robust and accessible healthcare system for all Nigerians.
