Ban On Drugs Importation: Pharmacist Seek  Presidential Committee to Drive Policy

Pharmacists under the aegis of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) have strongly advised the federal government on the need to establish a Presidential Committee to develop a clear roadmap and strengthen regulatory institutions for sustainable local production in the nation’s pharmaceutical sector.

ACPN Chairman, Ambrose Ezeh, who lauded government’s recent expansion of the list of prohibited imported drugs in the country, said a presidential committee would consolidate the benefits of the policy, ensure the enforcement of the National Drug Distribution Guidelines, and strengthen laws against counterfeit drugs.

According to Ezeh, the decision to protect the local industry represents a critical opportunity to advance national self-sufficiency in healthcare, stressing that timely and effective execution would ultimately benefit Nigerians through improved access to safe, affordable medicines.

ACPN described the recent prohibition as a strategic step toward strengthening local pharmaceutical manufacturing and conserving foreign exchange.

The body called for the expansion of the pool of skilled professionals in the industry through pharmaceutical education and training for qualitative clinical, hospital and community practice.

It said the updated prohibition schedule covering drugs under HS Codes 3003.10.00.00 through 3004.90.00 signals renewed commitment to protecting domestic industry players.

The association specifically highlighted the ban on the importation of commonly used medicines such as paracetamol tablets and syrups, metronidazole, clotrimazole, chloroquine, multivitamins, aspirin and folic acid, as well as topical preparations like penicillin and gentamycin ointments. It described the development as a “step in the right direction” which would boost investor confidence in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector.

‘’The policy effectively places the responsibility for meeting the country’s primary healthcare drug needs on local manufacturers, aligning with national economic priorities. It also welcomed the inclusion of cocoa derivatives and sugar products on the prohibition list. “The ACPN commends the federal government on the release of an update schedule of prohibited trade items, which is geared towards protecting the local manufacturing industry and managing scarce forex,” it added.