The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health through stringent regulation and control of medicines and related products.
The agency emphasised the importance of structured drug distribution in ensuring medicine security across Nigeria.
Speaking at the annual conference of the Pharmaceutical Wholesalers and Distributors Association of Nigeria (PWDAN) held in Ikeja, Lagos, NAFDAC director-general, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, reiterated that medicine security is not solely about availability but also about maintaining the quality and integrity of medicines. Prof. Adeyeye, who was represented by Dr. Regina Garba, described medicine security as a “strategic national priority.”
“Without a well-regulated distribution system, even the highest quality medicine manufactured or imported cannot reach the patient who needs them most,” she stated.
The conference, themed “Bridging Gaps: Integrating Pharma Wholesalers/Distributors for Medicine Security in Nigeria,” brought together key stakeholders in the pharmaceutical distribution sector to deliberate on the challenges and solutions for an effective drug supply chain.
Highlighting the objectives of the event, Mr. Ogheneochuko Omaruaye, chairman of PWDAN, said the conference was designed to compel every stakeholder in the pharmaceutical distribution chain to adhere to the National Drug Distribution Guideline (NDDG).
“The reason adulterated drugs flood our markets is because the distribution policy is not being implemented as it should. Many good drugs are being imitated and sold, leading to preventable deaths,” Omaruaye said. “The NDDG clearly states that manufacturers and importers are only to sell to licensed distributors or wholesalers , not directly to retailers or end users.”
He further stressed that drug distribution must follow a controlled and licensed channel as mandated by regulatory bodies like the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) and NAFDAC.
“If you follow the proper channel, drugs will not end up in the wrong hands. But since the channel is not being followed, they are being accessed by unqualified individuals, and that is the root of the problem,” he added.
Former CEO of Fidson Healthcare and chairman of the conference, Dr. Fidelis Ayebae, called on members of PWDAN to appreciate the instrumental role played by the Registrar of the PCN in the formation of the association.
“Many do not know that the biggest supporter you have in this room is the Registrar of the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria. Over a decade ago, he led a team to India, and one of the key recommendations from that visit was the need for a structured value chain in drug distribution. That recommendation gave birth to PWDAN,” Ayebae revealed. “I commend the theme of this event , bridging the gap in the value chain and integrating all stakeholders in a meaningful and seamless way.”
Echoing these sentiments, the Registrar of the PCN, Ibrahim Ahmed, said there has been a consistent collaboration between the Council and PWDAN to address the flaws in Nigeria’s drug distribution system.
“We are working closely with PWDAN to reform the supply chain and also address the escalating cost of medicines in the country,” he said.
The conference concluded with a renewed call for full implementation of the National Drug Distribution Guideline and closer cooperation between regulatory agencies and pharmaceutical stakeholders to safeguard the health and wellbeing of Nigerians.
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