The Pharmaceutical Wholesalers and Distributors Association of Nigeria (PWDAN) has urged for stronger measures to tackle the circulation of falsified and substandard medicines across Africa. PWDAN Chairman, Pharm. Ogheneochuko Omaruaye, made the call at a press conference held ahead of the 4th Thematic General Assembly of the African Pharmaceutical Distribution Association (APDA) and PWDAN Conference 2026. The conference aims to bring together regulators, policymakers, manufacturers, distributors, healthcare professionals, technology providers, and development partners.
Omaruaye identified weaknesses in the pharmaceutical supply chain as a major public health and supply-chain security challenge. He noted that compromised products could reach patients due to poor traceability, weak documentation, fragmented distribution networks, inadequate storage conditions, and limited consumer awareness. Antimalarials, antibiotics, analgesics, paediatric medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins, and dietary supplements are commonly affected.
The growing circulation of falsified medicines is no longer merely a regulatory or commercial concern but a major public health and supply-chain security challenge. Omaruaye stressed that "medicine security is healthcare security," arguing that the quality of medicines manufactured or imported could be undermined if proper controls were not maintained throughout their distribution.
The PWDAN chairman said the Lagos Assembly would focus on strengthening pharmaceutical supply-chain security through improved traceability and product authentication, technology deployment, GDP compliance, professional capacity development, and stronger collaboration between regulators and industry. Other priorities include regional regulatory harmonisation and improving access to quality-assured medicines across Africa.
Nigeria's strategic position as one of Africa's largest pharmaceutical markets means that weaknesses in its distribution system could have consequences beyond its borders, particularly across West Africa. Omaruaye noted that a weakness in one supply chain can become a regional challenge, while a strong and transparent distribution system in Nigeria contributes significantly to medicine security across West Africa and the continent.
The association also wants greater investment in warehousing, cold-chain infrastructure, transportation networks, and digital technologies. Omaruaye disclosed that the conference is expected to produce a Lagos Declaration on Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Integrity, an action framework against falsified medicines, a capacity-development roadmap, and stronger commitments to GDP compliance.
PWDAN has tightened its membership requirements to prevent unqualified persons and unscrupulous operators from infiltrating the pharmaceutical distribution system. Prospective members must be appropriately licensed and registered with the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN). Omaruaye said the association currently has about 56 members across the country, all engaged in pharmaceutical product distribution.
Key points
- PWDAN calls for stronger traceability and technology to tackle circulation of falsified and substandard medicines.
- Conference aims to bring together regulators, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to address pharmaceutical supply-chain security.
- PWDAN tightens membership requirements to prevent unqualified operators from infiltrating the pharmaceutical distribution system.
