The National Chairman of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Pharm. Ezeh Igwekamma, has issued a dire warning over the resurgence of counterfeit and substandard medicines in Nigeria. According to him, over half of the pharmaceutical products currently circulating in the country are either fake or below acceptable standards, a development he describes as a looming national public health emergency.

Speaking ahead of the ACPN’s 44th Annual International Conference scheduled for July 22 to 27, 2025, in Awka, Anambra State, Igwekamma emphasized the urgent need for legislative and regulatory action to prevent a total collapse of public confidence in Nigeria’s healthcare system.

Nigeria Slipping Back to Pre-2000s Crisis Levels

In a statement made available to journalists, Igwekamma compared the current situation to the dark period before the 2000s when fake drugs were widespread and regulatory oversight was weak. He expressed grave concern that Nigeria is once again drifting toward that grim reality.

“Our usually reliable and research-based findings suggest that over 50 percent of drugs in circulation today are fake and substandard,” Igwekamma said. “This stands in sharp contrast to the government’s official estimate of 13 to 15 percent, revealing a dangerous underestimation of the crisis.”

The ACPN chief attributed the alarming resurgence to a breakdown in enforcement at both federal and state levels. He lamented that once-proactive regulatory structures, such as the Federal Task Force on counterfeit drugs and its state counterparts, have become largely dormant.

“The influx of fake drugs, foods, and especially drinks in Nigeria has become a major source of worry in contemporary times. The level of unwholesome products in the market today is alarming,” he added.

A Recurring Tragedy with Deadly Consequences

Igwekamma warned that the consequences of counterfeit drug use—including fatalities and treatment failures—are becoming more frequent, further endangering lives and eroding public trust in the health sector.

He highlighted how the tenure of the late Prof. Dora Akunyili at the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) had significantly curbed the problem, but noted that the progress made during her time has now been undone.

“In the past five years, we’ve seen a major resurgence in fake drug circulation. The current laxity is undoing the gains made under Akunyili’s leadership. We are watching history repeat itself,” he said.

NAFDAC Efforts Praised, But More Work Needed

While acknowledging recent actions by NAFDAC, particularly its partnership with the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria to shut down the Sabon-Geri drug market in Kano State, Igwekamma stressed that these actions are just a first step.

He pointed to the establishment of the Coordinated Wholesale Centre (CWC) in Kano as a model reform. The CWCs are designed to phase out open drug markets and provide a centralized, regulated framework for pharmaceutical trade, in accordance with the National Drug Distribution Guidelines introduced in 2015.

“The CWCs are the future of drug distribution in Nigeria. We must build on this momentum and dismantle the over five million illegal drug-selling outlets scattered across our cities and rural areas,” he said.

Legislative Overhaul Urged to Combat Drug Crimes

Calling for urgent legislative support, the ACPN chairman urged the National Assembly to review and strengthen the Fake Drug and Unwholesome Processed Food Act. He emphasized that the current law lacks the capacity to effectively address the billion-naira counterfeit drug industry.

“The law as it stands is weak. We’re dealing with a sophisticated criminal network—modern-day merchants of death—who exploit every loophole,” he stated.

Igwekamma called for harsher penalties and stricter monitoring mechanisms to dissuade counterfeiters and protect the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

Focus on Technology and Personalised Pharmaceutical Care

As part of the solution to the growing crisis, the ACPN is dedicating this year’s conference to exploring how technology and personalized care can transform community pharmacy in Nigeria.

With the theme “Technology Integration, Personalised Care: The Future of Community Pharmacy Practice,” the event will attract over 3,000 professionals, including pharmacists, researchers, technologists, and global health experts.

Igwekamma highlighted the importance of adopting cutting-edge tools such as artificial intelligence, telepharmacy, and digital health records to improve safety and access to pharmaceutical care.

“Technology is no longer optional. We must integrate AI, digital platforms, and data-driven strategies to provide smarter, safer, and more accessible care to Nigerians,” he said.

He added that personalized pharmaceutical care—tailored to individual patient needs—is key to building trust and improving treatment outcomes.

Strategic Collaboration with Anambra State

Igwekamma expressed deep appreciation to the Anambra State Government for its support in hosting the conference. He noted that the state’s commitment to health and education makes it an ideal setting for a strategic conversation on the future of pharmacy in Nigeria.

“Awka will serve as the perfect backdrop for us to engage in meaningful dialogue and build a roadmap for the future,” he said.

Activities Lined Up

The conference will feature a diverse range of activities including:

• A public health walk against fake and counterfeit drugs

• Keynote lectures from leading health experts

• Technical workshops on digital transformation in pharmacy

• Policy panels discussing regulation and enforcement reforms

• Exhibitions showcasing emerging pharmaceutical technologies

A Call to Action

Pharm. Igwekamma concluded by urging all stakeholders—including the government, civil society, professional bodies, and the public—to treat the fake drug crisis as a national emergency.

“We must act now. Every day we delay, lives are lost, and trust is eroded. This is not just a health issue—it is a matter of national survival,” he said.

The ACPN remains committed to collaborating with stakeholders to restore integrity to Nigeria’s pharmaceutical supply chain and ensure that safe, effective medicines are accessible to all Nigerians.