By Ijeoma Okoro

With Nigeria battling a resurgence of fake and substandard medicines, the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) is set to host its 44th Annual International Conference in Awka, Anambra State, from July 22 to 27, 2025, with a focus on leveraging technology and personalized care to combat the nation’s growing pharmaceutical crisis.

Speaking ahead of the conference, ACPN National Chairman, Pharm. Ezeh Ambrose Igwekamma, sounded a sobering alarm over what he described as a “return to the dark days” of widespread counterfeit drugs in Nigeria, revealing that fake pharmaceuticals may now account for over 50% of medicines in circulation, despite official figures suggesting 13-15%.

“This is a national emergency,” Igwekamma declared. “We are witnessing a disturbing resurgence in the distribution and consumption of fake drugs, unwholesome food, and adulterated drinks. These modern-day merchants of death are putting millions of Nigerian lives at risk.”

Citing data from past studies by the Federal Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization, the ACPN chairman traced the crisis back to as far as 1988, noting that the proportion of fake drugs has not only persisted but escalated in recent years due to weakened regulatory enforcement and the collapse of federal and state drug task forces.

“The situation is dire. Close to 5 million unregistered drug outlets operate freely in both urban and rural communities,” he stated. “This calls for urgent and comprehensive legislative action.”

The conference, themed “Technology Integration, Personalized Care: The Future of Community Pharmacy Practice,” aims to chart a new course for the pharmacy profession in Nigeria, one that embraces digital transformation, artificial intelligence, telepharmacy, and electronic health records to deliver safer, data-driven, patient-centered care.

More than 3,000 delegates, including pharmacists, health tech innovators, researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders from across Nigeria and abroad, are expected to converge in Awka for the week-long summit.

Key highlights will include: A symbolic walk against fake and counterfeit medicines. Keynote presentations from international experts in pharmacy and digital health. Workshops on pharmaceutical entrepreneurship and regulatory innovation. An ACPN Expo showcasing breakthrough technologies and healthcare startups. A cultural night, gala, and awards ceremony

The ACPN also praised the Government of Anambra State for its strong support, describing Awka as the ideal host city for what is expected to be a turning point in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical landscape.

Of particular note is the recent closure of the notorious Sabon-Geri drug market, made possible through a landmark collaboration between NAFDAC and the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), following the launch of Nigeria’s first Coordinated Wholesale Centre (CWC) in Kano. The CWCs, established in line with the National Drug Distribution Guidelines (NDDG) of 2015, are designed to replace the chaotic and dangerous open drug markets.

However, Igwekamma stressed that more decisive action is needed. “We urge the National Assembly to urgently amend and strengthen the Fake Drug and Unwholesome Food Act. Without this, we cannot win the fight.”

“Let us come together to build a pharmacy model that delivers impact through innovation and compassion. The future of healthcare in Nigeria depends on it”, he added.