By Bunmi Yekini
In a major move to combat the distribution of fake and substandard drugs in Nigeria, the Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP) has officially commenced the construction of a Research and Drug Quality Assurance Centre in Anambra State.
The groundbreaking ceremony took place on Tuesday at the Coordinated Wholesale Pharmaceutical Market in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area. Leading the event was NAIP National Chairman, Pharm. Bankole Ezebuilo, who described the centre as a landmark initiative to sanitize Nigeria’s pharmaceutical supply chain.
“Drugs should enter and exit the market as authentic and effective products,” Ezebuilo stated. “Unfortunately, some individuals exploit the system by adulterating these medicines, resulting in a dangerous mix of genuine and fake drugs in circulation.”
He said the new facility would house an analytical laboratory to test drug quality, a cold chain storage system, a pharmaceutical marketing data hub, and training and conference facilities for medical sales representatives from across the South-East and South-South regions.
To further strengthen its impact, Ezebuilo revealed that NAIP had entered into a strategic partnership with the Nigerian Association of Pharmacists and Pharmaceutical Scientists in the Americas (NAPPSA), who will provide lab equipment and train local pharmacists on proper usage.
“We believe this is a critical step toward improving drug safety across the country. If we can curb drug adulteration at the wholesale level, we can significantly improve drug safety nationwide,” he said, noting that nearly 70 percent of medicines distributed in Nigeria pass through wholesale markets.
Ezebuilo also commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for allocating land for the project and supporting the initiative.
Representing the state government at the ceremony, Dr. Harrison Abone, Special Adviser to the Governor on Medical and Pharmaceutical Matters, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to ensuring safe medication access for residents.
“As a government and as pharmacists, we recognise the critical need for access to genuine medications, especially in this region,” Abone said. “With NAFDAC and the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) also present within the market, all activities will be thoroughly regulated and monitored.”
He added that the Coordinated Wholesale Pharmaceutical Market is expected to begin full operations by November.
The ceremony drew the presence of notable dignitaries including Igwe Alexander Onyido of Ogidi Kingdom; NAIP state chairpersons Pharm. Gloria Chinwuko (Delta) and Pharm. Chinedu Obi (Anambra); and Pharm. Chisom Uchem, Executive Secretary of the Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency.
Also in attendance were respected former NAIP leaders, including Chief U.N.O Uwaga, Pharm. Azubuike Okwor, Pharm. Olumide Akintayo, and Pharm. Anthony Akhime.