Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has called on pharmacists across the country to partner with his administration in the fight against fake and counterfeit drugs, warning that illegal pharmaceutical outlets pose a serious threat to public health.
Soludo made the appeal on Tuesday, November 3, while declaring open the 99th Annual National Conference of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), tagged Ijele 2026, in Awka, the state capital.
The governor urged the professional body to strengthen oversight of its members and work with the state government to identify and shut down illegal drug outlets operating under the guise of registered pharmacies.
He stressed that tackling counterfeit medicines required collective responsibility, stronger professional accountability and effective enforcement of pharmaceutical regulations.
Soludo also highlighted his administration’s efforts to improve healthcare delivery in Anambra, including the revitalization of primary healthcare centres and a zero-cost antenatal care programme.
According to the governor, more than 250,000 pregnant women have benefited from the programme, while the state has supported over 900 free caesarean deliveries.
He further disclosed that his administration was developing a dedicated pharmaceutical hub in Oba, alongside a Coordinated Wholesale Centre expected to be completed in early 2027.
The projects are intended to strengthen pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution while improving access to quality medicines.
The PSN conference, which runs from November 2 to 7, brings together pharmacists, healthcare professionals, policymakers, regulators and industry stakeholders to discuss the future of pharmacy practice and healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
Its theme, “One Health, One Pharmacy: Bridging Knowledge, Practice and Policy for National Impact,” focuses on connecting professional expertise, healthcare practice and public policy to improve health outcomes.
Soludo’s appeal comes amid growing concerns over the circulation of counterfeit and substandard medicines in Nigeria, with stakeholders calling for stronger regulation, improved drug distribution systems and greater public awareness.
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