By Chioma Obinna
The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, ACPN, has commended the Federal Government over the release of an updated schedule of prohibited trade items, describing it as a strategic move to strengthen local pharmaceutical manufacturing, conserve scarce foreign exchange, and enhance national health security.
The pharmacists said the policy direction, particularly the restriction on the importation of drugs that can be sufficiently produced locally, marks a turning point for Nigeria’s healthcare and industrial development.
In a press statement signed by its National Chairman, Ambrose Ezeh, and National Secretary, Omokhafe Ashore, the ACPN said the extensive list of prohibited items under HS Codes 3003.10.00.00 through 3004.90.00 offers renewed hope to genuine investors in the pharmaceutical sector.
It noted that the ban on the importation of commonly used medicines such as paracetamol tablets and syrups, metronidazole, clotrimazole, chloroquine, multivitamin capsules, aspirin, folic acid, as well as ointments including penicillin and gentamicin, was “a step in the right direction.”
According to the association, the policy effectively places greater responsibility for primary healthcare drug needs on local manufacturers, a development it described as being in the national interest.
The ACPN also commended the inclusion of cocoa products and sugar-based items on the prohibition list, saying it would help protect local agro-processing industries and strengthen value chains.
It, however, urged the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to ensure diligent enforcement of the new regulations to avoid unnecessary seizures or penalties, stressing the need for clarity in implementation.
The association added that the updated prohibition list, when combined with reduced duties on pharmaceutical products, could significantly improve drug affordability and accessibility if properly executed.
Reaffirming its position, the ACPN said boosting local drug manufacturing remains critical to Nigeria’s economic and health future, citing multiple benefits including reduced reliance on imports, improved medicine security, job creation, and price stability.
It warned that Nigeria’s continued dependence on imported drugs, estimated at about 65 percent, largely from China and India, undermines the goal of achieving 70 percent local production as outlined in the National Drug Policy 2021.
The group further argued that strengthening local production would reduce pressure on foreign exchange, improve regulatory oversight, curb fake and counterfeit medicines, and enhance national preparedness against global supply disruptions, as witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
With over 120 registered pharmaceutical manufacturers in the country, the ACPN expressed optimism that Nigeria could achieve higher production targets ahead of 2030 if capacity utilisation is improved.
It also called for stronger legislative backing to support local manufacturing, including a review of existing drug laws, stricter penalties for fake drug offences, and full implementation of the National Drug Distribution Guidelines.
The association urged the Federal Government to establish a Presidential Committee on the pharmaceutical sector to drive reforms, strengthen regulatory institutions, and develop a clear roadmap for sustainable local production.
According to the ACPN, such reforms are urgently needed to ensure medicine affordability, availability, and safety for Nigerians.
“The time to actualise this vision is now,” the statement added.
Article Community pharmacists hail FG ban on importation of locally-produced drugs Live On NgGossips.
