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LAGOS, Nigeria – Nigerians are advised to buy medicines only from verified sources. This warning comes from Pharmacist Ogheneochuko Omaruaye Hastings, Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Wholesalers and Distributors Association of Nigeria (PWDAN). He spoke at the PWDAN annual conference. The goal is to fight the deadly effects of counterfeit drugs in Nigeria.
Pharm. Omaruaye discussed the theme: “Bridging Gaps: Integrating Pharma Wholesalers and Distributors for Medicine Security in Nigeria”. He said closing open drug markets showed weaknesses in the pharmaceutical chain. He also sees this as a chance for reform. “Medicine security is not solely the government’s duty—it is a national imperative that requires collaboration among manufacturers, regulators, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers,” he stated. He urged more cooperation through PWDAN to build a safer distribution system.
Stakeholders Support Local Production, Key Alliances
The conference focused on local drug production and partnerships. Pharm. Afon Adebayo, Chairman of the Planning Committee, confirmed PWDAN’s commitment to safe medicine distribution. Dr. Fidelis Ayebae, Chairman of the occasion, called for more support for locally made medicines. Dr. Ayebae stressed pooling resources to aid small-scale distributors. “Support for indigenous production and accessible procurement financing is critical to medicine security,” he said. This support could reduce risks linked to counterfeit drugs in Nigeria from imports.
Dr. Regina Garba represented NAFDAC’s Director-General. She called the conference theme timely. She emphasized accountability and partnership in the sector. “A secure pharmaceutical supply chain depends on shared responsibilities and consistent regulatory enforcement,” Dr. Garba noted.
Experts Call for Technology and Proper Medicine Handling
Pharm. Ibrahim Babashehu Ahmed, Registrar of the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), highlighted careful medicine handling. He also noted the need for a national strategic framework. “Improper handling of medicines undermines public trust and poses a serious threat to public health,” he warned.
Pharm. Dennis Aizobu spoke for Dr. Omokhudu Idogho of the Society for Family Health. He praised NAFDAC’s enforcement. He called for wider stakeholder input in drug security policies. A panel discussion identified systemic gaps: fragmented distribution, poor standardization, and low technology use. The panel urged more local manufacturing, regulatory compliance, and investment in pharmaceutical infrastructure. These steps will help fight counterfeit drugs in Nigeria. The event ended with exhibitions, product launches, and new PWDAN member inductions
By Abiodun Labi
