Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria urges stronger drug regulation

The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has called on the Federal Government to strengthen the regulation and distribution of medicines to protect citizens from substandard drugs and abuse. Munirat Bello, the newly elected Chairman of the PSN in Kwara State and the first female to hold the position in the state, described the current state of drug distribution in Nigeria as a “national emergency.”

Bello emphasized that the country’s distribution system is chaotic and requires urgent attention through the effective implementation of national guidelines. She noted that medicines sold through unlicensed outlets and open markets expose the public to risks of inappropriate medication, unsafe treatment, and drug misuse.

To address these challenges, the PSN plans to collaborate with government agencies, including the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), the Ministry of Health, and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). Additionally, Bello advocated for closer cooperation with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to tackle both the supply and misuse of drugs at their source.