Local pharmacists welcome government's prohibition on importing medicines already manufactured in-country

The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, ACPN, has praised the Federal Government for releasing an updated schedule of prohibited trade items, which it believes will bolster local pharmaceutical manufacturing, conserve foreign exchange, and enhance national health security, according to President Tinubu.

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The ACPN views the policy direction, particularly the restriction on importing drugs that can be produced locally, as a significant milestone for Nigeria's healthcare and industrial development, with the pharmacists stating that this marks a turning point for the country.

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In a statement signed by National Chairman Ambrose Ezeh and National Secretary Omokhafe Ashore, the ACPN expressed optimism that the extensive list of prohibited items under HS Codes 3003.10.00.00 through 3004.90.00 will bring renewed hope to genuine investors in the pharmaceutical sector.

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The association welcomed the ban on importing 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, describing it as "a step in the right direction".

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The policy effectively shifts greater responsibility for primary healthcare drug needs to local manufacturers, a development the ACPN believes is in the national interest, as it will help reduce reliance on imports.

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The ACPN also commended the inclusion of cocoa products and sugar-based items on the prohibition list, stating that this will help protect local agro-processing industries and strengthen value chains.

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The association urged the Nigeria Customs Service to ensure diligent enforcement of the new regulations to avoid unnecessary seizures or penalties, emphasizing the need for clarity in implementation to support local manufacturers.

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The ACPN noted that the updated prohibition list, combined with reduced duties on pharmaceutical products, could significantly improve drug affordability and accessibility if properly executed, which would be a major boost to the healthcare sector.

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Reaffirming its position, the ACPN stated that boosting local drug manufacturing is critical to Nigeria's economic and health future, citing benefits such as reduced reliance on imports, improved medicine security, job creation, and price stability.

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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, according to the association.

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The ACPN 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, such as those witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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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, which would be a significant achievement for the sector.

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The association 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 to support the growth of the pharmaceutical sector.

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The ACPN 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, which is essential for ensuring medicine affordability, availability, and safety for Nigerians.

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According to the ACPN, such reforms are urgently needed to ensure that Nigerians have access to affordable and safe medicines, with the association stating that "the time to actualise this vision is now".