At the 2023 International Conference and Investiture organized by the Courier and Logistics Management Institute in Lagos, Elijah Muhammed, former Registrar of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, raised alarm over the substantial danger faced by Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector due to an unregulated open drug market.
With the sector projected to reach $5.3 billion by 2024, according to forecasts by Goldstein Market Intelligence analysts, Muhammed expressed deep concern about the consequences of an open drug market where drugs are obtained from various sources. He emphasized the need to address this issue, highlighting the potential impact on future generations.
Muhammed called attention to the critical role of funding for the Pharmacy Council as a regulatory body, stressing that neglecting to support the council could have far-reaching consequences for drug safety and public health.
While acknowledging the government’s efforts to ensure proper drug distribution, Muhammed cautioned against the risks associated with self-regulation in the open drug market. He warned that allowing individuals to regulate themselves could lead to significant problems, undermining the progress made in establishing a safe and regulated pharmaceutical environment.
Urge the government to take an objective and pragmatic approach, Muhammed emphasized the crucial importance of prioritizing saving lives from drug abuse. He stressed the need for decisive action, highlighting the role of a well-funded Pharmacy Council in achieving effective drug regulation and safeguarding public health.
Advocating for the continued jurisdiction of the Pharmacy Council under the Federal Government, Muhammed emphasized that centralized authority is essential for effectively controlling players in the open drug market, particularly those who may resist regulation. He underlined the necessity of a coordinated and robust regulatory framework to address the widespread use of drugs without proper knowledge or prescriptions.
Muhammed concluded by calling for swift action to ensure sustained growth in the pharmaceutical sector, protect public health, and mitigate the adverse effects of drug abuse resulting from unregulated drug markets. He urged the Courier and Logistics Management Institute and other stakeholders in the logistics sector to join efforts in combating this pressing issue.
