Nigeria: Community pharmacists back FG ban on importation of drugs
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria
The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria has commended the Federal Government’s updated schedule of prohibited trade items, calling it a strategic step to boost local drug manufacturing, conserve foreign exchange, and strengthen national health security.
In a statement on Tuesday signed by National Chairman Ambrose Ezeh and National Secretary Omokhafe Ashore, the ACPN said the restriction on importing medicines that can be sufficiently produced in Nigeria “marks a turning point for Nigeria’s healthcare and industrial development.”
The association noted that the prohibition list under HS Codes 3003.10.00.00 through 3004.90.00 covers commonly used medicines such as paracetamol tablets and syrups, metronidazole, clotrimazole, chloroquine, multivitamin capsules, aspirin, folic acid, and ointments including penicillin and gentamicin.
“This is a step in the right direction,” the ACPN said, adding that the policy places greater responsibility for primary healthcare drug needs on local manufacturers.
The group also welcomed the inclusion of cocoa products and sugar-based items on the list, saying it will protect local agro-processing industries and strengthen value chains.
The ACPN urged the Nigeria Customs Service to ensure clear, diligent enforcement to prevent unnecessary seizures or penalties. It said the updated prohibition list, combined with reduced duties on pharmaceutical products, could improve drug affordability and access if properly implemented.
Reaffirming its stance, the ACPN said expanding local drug manufacturing is critical to Nigeria’s economic and health future. Benefits include reduced import dependence, improved medicine security, job creation, and price stability.
The group warned that Nigeria still imports about 65 percent of its drugs, mostly from China and India, which undermines the National Drug Policy 2021 target of 70 percent local production.
Stronger local capacity would ease pressure on foreign exchange, improve regulatory oversight, curb fake and counterfeit medicines, and boost preparedness against global supply shocks like those seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, it said.
With over 120 registered pharmaceutical manufacturers, the ACPN expressed optimism that Nigeria can raise output and improve capacity utilisation before 2030. It called for stronger legislative backing, including a review of existing drug laws, tougher penalties for fake drug offences, and full implementation of the National Drug Distribution Guidelines.
The association urged the Federal Government to set up a Presidential Committee on the pharmaceutical sector to drive reforms, strengthen regulatory institutions, and map out sustainable local production.
“Such reforms are urgently needed to ensure medicine affordability, availability, and safety for Nigerians,” the statement said. “The time to actualise this vision is now.”
