Pharmacists under the platform of Pharmacists Affairs Group, PAG, have advised the Nigerian Governors Forum, NGF, to declare open drug markets a public health emergency.
The pharmacists also advised the National Assembly to expedite action on the passage of the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Bill, saying the move was necessary to safeguard the health of citizens.
PAG made the call in a communique issued at the end of its April 2025 edition of the Point Blank Dialogue, a platform for crucial discussions on Nigeria's healthcare system.
The communique was made available to DAILY POST on Monday.
The event which has “Circumventing the Impact of Open Drug Markets on Nigeria’s Pharmaceutical Supply Chain” as the theme, saw health experts outline the devastating effects of unregulated drug markets on public health, with calls for urgent reforms.
Some of those who spoke at the event included the past Chairman of the Pharmacists Society of Nigeria in Lagos State, Pharm Anthony Bola Oyawole, Chairman of Pharmaceutical Wholesalers and Distributors Association of Nigeria, PWDAN, Pharm Ogheneochuko Omaruaye and Registrar of Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, Pharm Ibrahim Babashehu Ahmed.
The experts who spoke at the conference decried the rise of open drug markets in the country. They then advised the NGF to declare it a public health emergency.
They also urged the National Assembly to expedite action on the passage of the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Bill.
The Experts noted several critical issues that need urgent attention, including, the rise of open drug markets. ”PPMVs, initially created to address pharmaceutical gaps in underserved areas, have unintentionally contributed to the proliferation of ODMs in Nigeria.
“Regulatory oversight over PPMVs has been historically inadequate, leading to the unchecked spread of substandard drugs. ODMs cost Nigeria's pharmaceutical industry over ₦200 billion annually in lost revenue due to illicit sales.
“Research has shown that ODMs are responsible for a significant percentage of counterfeit drugs in the market, endangering public health. The closure of the Sabon-Geri Open Drug Market in Kano by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, PCN, and NAFDAC serves as a model for successful interventions.
“Participants resolved to take the following actions, close open drug markets, fast-track establishment of Coordinated Wholesale Centres, CWCs in key states and intensify enforcement against non-compliant markets.
“Strengthen Supply Chains: Prioritize local manufacturing and establish a blockchain-based tracking system to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s pharmaceutical supply chain. Launch a national #DrugSafetyNG campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of unregulated drug markets. Legislative Advocacy: Call for the Nigerian Governors' Forum to declare ODMs a public health emergency and expedite the passage of the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Bill”.
