Key Takeaways
- Nearly 10,000 pharmacists have left Nigeria in the last five years.
- Current legislation against counterfeit drugs is deemed ineffective.
- ACPN calls for stricter anti-drug laws and better support for healthcare professionals.
- Drug abuse in Nigeria is a growing national concern.
- Collaboration between government and professional bodies is essential for improvement.
The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has raised urgent alarms regarding the alarming exit of pharmacists from the nation, noting that nearly 10,000 professionals have migrated in search of better opportunities abroad within the last five years. This trend poses a serious risk to Nigeria's healthcare sector and the pharmacy industry, with implications that threaten the overall well-being of the population.
At the opening of the ACPN's 45th Annual National Scientific Conference held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Scientific Conference Centre in Abuja, the National Chairman, Pharm. Ambrose Ezeh, expressed grave concerns about this growing trend. Recent data from the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) revealed that approximately 9,000 pharmacists have left the country in the four years leading up to December 2026, and over 850 additional professionals acquired letters of good standing from the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) within the first half of 2026.
Ezeh attributed the exodus to various factors, including inadequate compensation, ineffective workforce development strategies, and a lack of enforcement of the National Drug Distribution Guidelines established in 2015. He emphasized that the absence of a robust public drug procurement framework hampers the pharmaceutical profession and jeopardizes patient safety.
“The reward system for pharmacists remains lackluster," Ezeh highlighted, noting that these issues tarnish the profession's image. In light of this situation, he urged the federal government to consider executive legislation designed to overhaul the pharmaceutical sector, pinpointing the need to amend the Fake Drug Act and establish a federal Drug Management Agency.
In discussions around counterfeiting, Ezeh declared that current penalties were insufficient to deter offenders, discouraging potential investments in the pharmaceutical field. He proposed harsher sanctions, including a 20-year prison sentence for first-time offenders and life imprisonment for repeat offenders, alongside asset forfeiture.
Additionally, he called for the institutionalization of the Drug Revolving Fund (DRF) system, aimed at creating a centralized mechanism for public drug procurement. Although previous resolutions from the National Council on Health mandated all public drug procurement via the DRF, implementation has faltered due to institutional shortcomings.
With drug abuse on the rise, the ACPN identified high rates of substance misuse across Nigeria, as highlighted by a 2018 UNODC survey estimating that over 21 million Nigerians engage in some form of drug abuse. The prevalent substances include cannabis, opioids, and codeine-based cough syrups.
The ACPN pinpointed several key contributors to this crisis, including dysfunctional family dynamics, unemployment among youth, and inadequate regulation of prescription medications. To combat these issues, they have called for stronger enforcement of drug laws and the creation of rehabilitation centers throughout the nation.
Ezeh urged coordinated efforts between the government and professional organizations like PSN and ACPN to advocate against substance abuse effectively. He emphasized that law enforcement agencies must receive proper resources and support to fulfill their roles effectively.
With these pressing topics at the forefront, the ACPN hopes this conference will catalyze a collaborative approach to address the healthcare challenges facing Nigeria, aiming for a more robust future in the pharmaceutical landscape.
Why This Matters
The exodus of healthcare professionals and the escalating drug abuse crisis in Nigeria are critical national issues that require immediate governmental attention and intervention to ensure the integrity of the healthcare system and safeguard public health.