The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reiterated its unwavering commitment to protecting public health by enforcing strict regulations on medicines and related products.
At the annual conference of the Pharmaceutical Wholesalers and Distributors Association of Nigeria (PWDAN) in Ikeja, Lagos, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, emphasized the critical role of structured drug distribution in achieving medicine security across the country. Represented by Dr. Regina Garba, Prof. Adeyeye described medicine security as a “strategic national priority,” stressing that availability alone is not enough—quality and integrity of medicines must also be assured.
“Even the best quality medicines, whether manufactured locally or imported, cannot benefit patients if they are not distributed through well-regulated channels,” she stated.
The conference, themed “Bridging Gaps: Integrating Pharma Wholesalers/Distributors for Medicine Security in Nigeria,” gathered key players in the pharmaceutical sector to address challenges and propose solutions for a more effective drug supply chain.
PWDAN Chairman, Mr. Ogheneochuko Omaruaye, said the event aimed to reinforce compliance with the National Drug Distribution Guideline (NDDG), which outlines proper procedures for medicine distribution in Nigeria.
“The presence of counterfeit and substandard drugs in our markets is largely due to the improper implementation of the distribution policy,” Omaruaye noted. “The NDDG clearly mandates that manufacturers and importers should only supply licensed wholesalers and distributors—not retailers or end users.”
He warned that unregulated distribution channels allow medicines to fall into the hands of unqualified individuals, which undermines public safety and trust in the healthcare system.
Dr. Fidelis Ayebae, former CEO of Fidson Healthcare and chairman of the conference, highlighted the instrumental role of the Registrar of the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) in forming PWDAN.
“Over ten years ago, the Registrar led a delegation to India. One of the major outcomes of that visit was the recommendation for a structured pharmaceutical value chain, which ultimately led to the creation of PWDAN,” Ayebae shared. “This year’s conference theme rightly emphasizes the importance of integrating all stakeholders for a seamless and secure distribution system.”
PCN Registrar, Ibrahim Ahmed, reinforced the Council’s continued collaboration with PWDAN to reform Nigeria’s drug supply chain and address the growing cost of medicines.
“We are partnering with PWDAN to strengthen the drug distribution system and curb the rising prices of medicines,” Ahmed said.
The conference concluded with a renewed call for the full enforcement of the National Drug Distribution Guideline and deeper collaboration between regulators and industry stakeholders to ensure the safety and well-being of all Nigerians.
