Pharmacists under the platform of the Pharmaceutical Affairs Group have advised the forum of Nigerian governors (NGF) to declare the drug market open a public health emergency.
The Group also advised the National Assembly to accelerate the action on the approval of the draft law of the pharmaceutical supply chain.
The group pointed out that these measures are necessary to safeguard the health of citizens.
These statements were made through a statement issued at the end of the April 2025 edition of the Point Blank dialogue, a platform for crucial discussions about Nigeria's health system.
The virtual event, held through Zoom, brought together the interested parties of regulatory agencies, pharmaceutical distributors, policy formulators, academia and health professionals to address the impact of open medication markets (MDG) on the Nigeria pharmaceutical supply chain.
The event, entitled “Sudir the impact of open medication markets on the Nigerian pharmaceutical supply chain”, saw expert speakers describe the devastating effects of non -regulated drug markets in public health, with calls to urgent reforms.
Some of the speakers in the event included Pharm Anthony Bola Oyawole, FPSN, former president of the state of Psn Lagos and CEO of Barod Associates Ltd; Pharm Ogheneochuko Omaruaye, FPSn, president of the Pharmaceutical Association Mayor and Distributors of Nigeria (PWDAN) and CEO of New Height Pharmaceuticals LTD; and Pharm Ibrahim Babashehu Ahmed, FPSN, Registrar of the Nigeria Pharmacy Council (PCN).
The experts who spoke at the conference noticed several critical issues that need urgent attention.
They declined the emergence of open drugs in the country.
Then they advised the NGF to declare them a public health emergency.
They also urged the National Assembly to accelerate the action on the approval of the bill of the pharmaceutical supply chain.
“Key findings. Experts noticed several critical problems that need urgent attention. The increase in open medication markets: PPMV, initially created to address pharmaceutical gaps in unattended areas, have involuntarily contributed to the ODM proliferation in Nigeria.
“The regulatory supervision on the PPMV has been historically inadequate, which leads to the unofficial propagation of lower quality medications. The MDGs cost Nigeria's pharmaceutical industry in ₦ 200 billion annually in lost income due to illicit sales.
“Research has shown that MDGs are responsible for a significant percentage of counterfeit drugs in the market, endangering public health. The closure of the Sabon-Geri open medication market in Kano by the Nigeria Pharmacy Council (PCN) and NAFDAC serves as a model for successful interventions.
“Resolutions and calling action. During the dialogue, participants resolved to take the following actions. Close the open drug markets: they accelerate the establishment of coordinated wholesale centers (CWC) in key states and intensify the application of the law against non -compliant markets.
“Strengthen supply chains: prioritize local manufacturing and establish a blockchain -based monitoring system to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria's pharmaceutical supply chain.
“Launch a national campaign #DRUFAFETYNG to raise awareness about the dangers of unregulated drug markets. Legislative Defense: Request the Nigerian governors forum to declare the MDGs an emergency of public health and issue the approval of the bill of the pharmaceutical supply chain.
“The participants promised to meet in October 2025 to evaluate the progress made to address the MDGs and improve the Nigeria pharmaceutical supply chain. In addition, a six -month progress report will be published, which details the efforts in the CWC establishment, the closure of the illegal markets and the reforms of the supply chain.
About the group of pharmaceutical issues. The Pharmaceutical Affairs Group is dedicated to improving the pharmaceutical sector in Nigeria, focusing on regulatory reforms, public health defense and collaboration with national and international interested parties.
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