Breaking news and updates from Nigeria's pharmacy profession.
The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has sealed 383 pharmaceutical premises across 11 Local Government Areas of Ogun State following a four-day enforcement exercise aimed at strengthening regulatory compliance and protecting public health.
Professor N.M Danjuma delivered a comprehensive, evidence-based presentation detailing how daily dietary choices and specific medicinal plants can actively enhance brain function.
Pharmacy leaders have called for structured nutraceutical education, research, and professional training to equip Nigerian pharmacists for evidence-based practice, as experts highlighted the growing role of nutraceuticals in disease prevention, health promotion, and patient-centered care during ACPN 2026.
The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has disclosed that some of its regulatory provisions are currently under review, with proposed reforms expected to make aspects of enforcement more balanced while maintaining professional standards. The disclosure came in response to concerns raised by community pharmacists during the ACPN Town Hall Meeting at the association's 45th Annual International Scientific Conference.
The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has clarified that while the agency evaluates the quality and safety of herbal medicines before registration, manufacturers—not the regulator—are responsible for generating clinical evidence to demonstrate that their products are effective.
NAFDAC has defended its ongoing enforcement of Nigeria's ban on sachet alcohol and alcoholic beverages in containers smaller than 200 ml, warning that manufacturers who continue to violate the regulations risk severe sanctions. The agency says the policy is aimed at protecting children and reducing alcohol-related harm.
NAFDAC says the enforcement of Nigeria's ban on sachet alcohol was not abrupt, noting that manufacturers were granted a six-year transition period following a 2018 agreement involving industry groups and the Federal Ministry of Health.
NAFDAC Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye says Nigeria's medicines and food regulatory agency requires at least 5,000 additional personnel to effectively protect a population of about 240 million, citing workforce shortages and inadequate funding as major challenges.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has licensed Ezplaz Freeze Dried Plasma (FDP), the first freeze-dried plasma product approved for use in the United States. Designed for emergency situations where conventional frozen plasma is unavailable, the room-temperature-stable product is expected to enhance trauma care, disaster response, military medicine, and healthcare delivery in remote settings.
The Federal Government has called for stronger public-private partnerships to drive sustainable healthcare financing, expand local manufacturing, and improve access to quality healthcare. Speaking at the FCMB Healthcare Summit 2026, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, said ongoing reforms are creating new opportunities for private investment while strengthening Nigeria's health system.
Can young pharmacists truly meet the demands of today's workplace? That question set the tone for Plenary Session One of the 45th ACPN Annual International Scientific Conference, where experts stressed that retaining pharmacy talent requires strong leadership, continuous learning, mentorship, and professionalism. They also challenged young pharmacists to build leadership, communication, and business skills to help shape the future of community pharmacy practice in Nigeria.
The official opening of the ACPN 45th Annual International Scientific Conference set the stage for a week of scientific discourse, policy engagement, and professional collaboration. Highlights included a keynote address on positioning community pharmacy practice to meet global standards, the NADAC grand finale, and awards recognizing exemplary leadership and service across Nigeria's community pharmacy sector.
