By Fatima Saka
The Federal Government has pledged to continue strengthening Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector as a critical driver of public health, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to expand access to essential medicines and build a resilient healthcare system.
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, represented by Mrs. Ladidi-Bako Aiyegbusi, Director and Head of the Health Nutrition Department at the ministry, made this pledge on Thursday in Abuja at the commemoration of World Pharmacists Day, marked for the first time in Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, Professor Pate emphasized that pharmacists are not just dispensers of medicine but frontline health professionals and trusted partners in strengthening national health systems.
“From bustling cities to remote villages, pharmacists serve as the first point of contact for millions seeking healthcare guidance, medication, and preventive services. Their expertise is indispensable in areas such as medication safety, chronic disease management, health education, immunization, and preventive care,” he said.
Highlighting the government’s policy achievements, the Coordinating Minister noted that the National Drug Policy, the e-Pharmacy Policy, and the recently launched 8th Edition of the National Essential Medicines List are helping to ensure rational drug use, transparency in medicine access, and affordability of life-saving drugs.
He also stressed that the administration is promoting local pharmaceutical manufacturing and investing heavily in training and retraining pharmacists to meet global standards.
The event also celebrated milestones in the pharmacy profession, including the establishment of pharmacovigilance centers nationwide, expansion of clinical pharmacy practice in hospitals and primary healthcare centers, and integration of pharmaceutical services into primary health campaigns.
While commending the resilience and innovation of Nigerian pharmacists, Professor Pate acknowledged that more work remains to be done. He further called for stronger collaboration among the government, the private sector, development partners, and civil society to accelerate progress.
He concluded by assuring that the government would continue to mark World Pharmacists Day annually, reinforcing its commitment to advancing the pharmacy profession as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Speaking on this year’s celebration, themed “Think Health, Think Pharmacists,” featured a road walk, I the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, represented by Olufowobi Yusuf Adeola, mni, Director/Head of Food, Chemical, Cosmetics and Water Safety, emphasized the importance of pharmacists in strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare delivery.
“Pharmacists are the backbone of medication safety, and their work touches every home. Today’s celebration is not just about recognizing them but about reinforcing their place at the heart of our health system,” she said.
She further highlighted the significance of the celebration and urged stakeholders to continue supporting the pharmacy profession in its service to humanity.
Representatives from regulatory bodies, academia, and the private sector also delivered goodwill messages.
Dr. Mojisola Adeyeye, Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), represented by Mr Bitrus Freedom, Director Post-Marketing Surveillance described pharmacy as a noble profession rooted in truth and service to humanity.
“When patients receive medicines from pharmacists, they put their trust in the profession. We must work together to safeguard its integrity in Nigeria,” she charged.
The Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), represented by its Director of Pharmacy, Mr. Usman M. Monday, conveyed greetings from the Registrar and reaffirmed the council’s commitment to professional development and regulatory excellence.
Similarly, the Group Managing Director, Codix Pharma Ltd, Mr Sammy Ogunjimi, represented by Kim Japan, congratulated the Federal Ministry of Health and pledged the company’s support for local pharmaceutical manufacturing.
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“Codix has expanded across nine African countries and is investing in local production of diagnostic kits and pharmaceuticals. We stand with the ministry in ensuring quality access for Nigerians,” he said.
The event concluded medical outreach, and an interactive briefing session with development partners and industry leaders and with renewed calls for collaboration among government, pharmacists, and industry players to strengthen the profession’s contribution to achieving universal health coverage.
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