The theme of the conference was: “Pharmaceutical Industry Contributions to National Development” The conference was declared open by His Excellency, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, GCON, SAN, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria ably represented by the Honourable Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac F. Adewole, FAS.

Other dignitaries at the opening ceremony included: His Excellency, the former Deputy Governor of Niger State and Chairman of the Opening Ceremony, Alhaji Ahmed M. Ibeto (Santuraki Kontagora), His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Niger State, Abubakar Sani Bello, the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Ahmed Marafa, the Executive Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi U. Ganduje OFR, Her Excellency, the wife of the Governor of Niger State, Dr. (Mrs.) Amina Abubakar Sani Bello, the Hon Commissioner for Health, Niger State, Dr. Mustapha Jibrin, Hon. Commissioner for Health Kano State, Dr Kabiru Ibrahim Getso, His Royal Highness, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji (Dr.) Yahaya Abubakar, CFR,His Royal Highness, the Emir of Minna, Alhaji (Dr.) Umar Farouk Bahago, CON,Pharm. N.A. E. Mohammed, FPSN, FNIM, Registrar, Pharmacists’ Council of Nigeria (PCN), Director General, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Pharm. (Prof.) K. S. Gamaniel, FPSN, OON, the President, Nigeria Medical Association, Prof. Mike Ogirima, President, Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria, Dr . Idris Omede, His Excellency, Pharm (Dr.) Senator Shem Nuhu Zagbayi, Former Deputy Governor, Niger State, Pharm. (Dr.) Nkere K. Ebube PhD, RPh President, Nigerian Association of Pharmacists and Pharmaceutical Scientists in the Americas (NAPPSA), Past Presidents of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria including Pharm. (Prof.) Olarenwaju Ogunlana, FPSN, FPCPharm, Pharm. Mohammed Yaro Budah, FPSN, FPC Pharm, FNA Pharm,mni, Lady Eme Ufot Ekaette FPSN and Pharm. Olumide Akintayo, FPSN, FPC Pharm,FNAPharm, FNIM, Captains of Industry including first set of Honorary Members of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria , Dr. Fidelis Ayebae, HMPSN, Managing Director, Fidson Healthcare Plc, Mr. Femi Soremekun, HMPSN, Managing Director, Biofem Pharmaceuticals Limited and Dr. Chukwuka Obiora, HMPSN, Chairman, Greenlife Pharmaceuticals Limited.

 

The Keynote Address was delivered by Pharm. Olu Akanmu, FNAPharm, Senior Vice President (Retail Banking), First City Monument Bank Plc.

 

Conference deliberated on the theme and sub-themes of the Conference and other contemporary issues affecting the pharmaceutical sector as well as the health industry and its contributions to national development and made the following observations and recommendations:

 

1. Conference put on record the impact of the continued recession and lack of foreign exchange on installed capacity in the pharmaceutical industry with high import dependence for machinery, active pharmaceutical ingredients, other raw materials as well as packaging materials and calls for a concerted plan by industrial pharmacists, relevant Regulatory Agencies and Government that will see to an improvement in the current status. Conference called on Government for preferential provision of foreign exchange from the official market for pharmaceutical imports because of the security implications of scarcity of essential lifesaving pharmaceutical products to the nation. Conference reasoned this will enable pharmaceutical companies pursue the target of the National Drug Policy for an increase in local production capacity to a level where 70% of total output satisfies at least 60% of national drug requirements of essential drugs while the balance is exported.

 

2. Conference encouraged Government to appreciate that there were numerous obstacles and roadblocks that continue to afflict business innovation and growth in the pharmaceutical sector. Conference admonished Government to address these concerns through the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Federal Ministry of Finance and Nigerian Customs Service through the use of tariff structures to incentivize local production and as much as possible discourage importation of medicines that can be produced locally. Conference lauded the encouragement of the Minister of Health for the local production of long lasting insecticide treated nets (LLITN) in the country to save scarce foreign exchange.

 

3. Conference observed with delight the presidential-level ‘Ease of Doing Business’ reform efforts of Government which involves simplifying the procedures for the import of vital raw materials and components needed for local manufacture of drugs in Nigeria as well as ensuring consistency in customs classifications and regulations Conference, therefore, calls on the pharmaceutical companies to formulate a formal and comprehensive National Strategy and Plan of Action for Pharmaceutical Manufacturing to improve Nigeria’s international competitiveness ratings.

 

4. Conference resolved to partner with the Government in its continued war against corruption through working assiduously towards dealing with issues constraining our broader national development as this will lead to the resolution of macro-economic level issues such as infrastructure, security, quality of education, labour, productivity and skilled workforce that has made the manufacturing environment unconducive for industrialization and inter-country technological transfer

 

5. Conference solicited Government interest to develop the petrochemical industry in Nigeria to trigger an impactful industrial revolution that is increasingly less import dependent, and by so doing absorb the shocks of foreign exchange volatility while fulfilling its task of providing needed pharmaceutical products for the teeming masses. Conference submitted that a petrochemical industry guarantees availability of a plethora of chemical needs for meaningful industrial take-off and logically a boost in National GDP is achieved in addition to the benefit package of additional source of internally generated revenue.

 

6. Conference applauded the news of the continued growth of the Mega Drug Distribution project instituted by PSN NEC through its pet project Ultra Logistics Company Limited and noted with satisfaction the planned business-like approach being employed for its expansion. Conference enjoined Pharmacists that are yet to subscribe to empower themselves by investing in the business.

 

7. Conference lamented the slow pace at which Consultancy Cadre in Public Pharmacy Sector was being entrenched. Conference therefore appealed to the Government (Federal and States) to activate the consultant pharmacist philosophy by approving the Consultant pharmacy status for all pharmacists that qualify for this status. As define, a Consultant Pharmacist is “a Pharmacist who is paid to provide expert advice on the use of medications by individuals or within institutions, or on the provision of Pharmacy services to institutions” Conference posited to all stakeholders in health that the consultancy cadre in Pharmacy is not to take away from any profession, but in reality, a value-added service to consumers of medicines in our joint resolve to make Nigeria’s brand of healthcare practice a global brand.

 

8. Conference reminded the Government to, as a matter of urgency; reconstitute the boards of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) and National Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) to enable these important agencies in the pharmaceutical sector carry out their much-needed roles as custodians and regulators of medicine and persons involved with the business of medicine. Conference hastened to add that these appointments must be carried out in a lawful manner to avoid disruption in the equilibrium in the pharmaceutical sector witnessed in some previous dispensations at PCN and NAFDAC. Conference clarified without ambiguity to Government that the regulatory functions of PCN including disciplinary action, accreditation of training facilities and other statutory responsibilities are hindered by the dissolution of the Governing Council of PCN. Conference in same spirit drew the attention of the Federal Government to the condition precedent in law to appoint the Director General/Chief Executive Officer of NAFDAC as provided for in section 9 of the NAFDAC enabling Act.

 

9. Conference congratulated the Past Presidents and in particular the Immediate Past National Executive Council (NEC), Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), NAPPSA and all Pharmacists on the approval, by the National Universities Commission, of the Pharm. D degree as the minimum benchmark qualification for pharmacists in Nigeria. Conference noted the contribution of some Deans of Faculties of Pharmacy towards producing a timeline for the effective implementation of the Pharm. D. Programme in all Faculties of Pharmacy nationwide. Conference therefore called on the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria and the academia to develop sufficient pharmaceutical human resources and local technical capacity through relevant education and training for deployment to needed areas for pharmacy services.

 

10. Conference appreciated the innovative ideas from the Registry of PCN on the online Mandatory Continue Professional Development (MCPD) program structured to individual practice areas for recertification of Pharmacists as well as the plan to initiate online registration from the 2017 professional year. Conference requested the PCN to put in place all required processes to carry the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria along in this implementation. Conference mandated the Heads of Pharmacy and Directors of Parastatals and Organizations to send updated list of their Pharmacists to the Registry to ensure a robust database for improved registration procedure.

 

11. Conference advocated the establishment of strong University-Industry partnership to promote technology innovation, entrepreneurship, supply chain and regulatory management to support the progressive movement of the local pharmaceutical industry to higher levels of the value chain. Conference demanded stronger collaboration between the pharmaceutical industry and the academia in the area of research and drug development in order to produce both locally available active molecules and other raw materials as one of the ways to attain self-sufficiency in local drug manufacture.

 

12. Conference commended the Pharmacists’ Council of Nigeria on its drive to rid the country of Open Drug Markets using a diplomatic, open-dialogue approach between stakeholders and governments in affected states. Conference believed that this approach if well harnessed and managed will permanently rest the menace of indiscriminate sales of medicines in unregistered places in Nigeria. Conference therefore specially mandated the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria to commence a mobilisation of players in existing Open Drug Markets to embrace the inevitable relocation to coordinated wholesale centres (CWCs) in a bid to make the deadline of July 31, 2017 to close Open Drug Markets a reality in Nigeria.

 

13. Conference acknowledged with tremendous appreciation the affirmation of PSN position by the Presidency that the role of the pharmacist has evolved from that of a compounded and supplier of products to that of a provider of services and information and ultimately a provider of patient care. Conference consequently urged Pharmacists to accept responsibility for drug therapy management by acquiring the requisite knowledge and skills required for pharmaceutical care and calls on the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria to fully support the culture of pharmaceutical care in training and practice.

 

14. Conference noted the increased attention being paid to the development of multidisciplinary teams by various healthcare professionals. Conference therefore urged pharmacists to take an active interest in initiating and sustaining such collaborative efforts that improve the health of the public. Conference also urged the academia to mentor practitioners in developing the appropriate skills needed to function optimally within such collaborations to ensure pharmacists can practice at global levels and thus improving the health of the public. Conference prevailed albeit strongly on Community Pharmacists to pursue primary care certification with globally accredited Organizations like WHO and UNICEF as well as well as seeking appropriate payment mechanism under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

 

15. Conference called on pharmacy inclined Regulatory Agencies, Pharmacy Associations and Key Leaders in Community Pharmacy to engage with Government and other healthcare professionals to develop appropriate policies to institutionalize pharmaceutical care and public health oriented pharmacy services to enable practitioners practice these roles in a standardized manner.

 

16. Conference congratulated the winner of this years’ May and Baker Award, Pharm. (Prof.) Olukemi O. Odukoya and those of Pfizer Award of Excellence and encouraged other Pharmaceutical Companies to key into the motivation and empowerment of pharmacists from all spheres of practice. Conference noted the dwindling participation of pharmacists for the May and Baker award and canvassed energisation of the nominations in future through state branches.

 

17. Conference appreciated the Government and People of Niger State as being the most pharmaceutically-friendly state in the nation as the state has produced Pharmacist-Speakers of the House of Assembly, Deputy Governor, and Commissioners and is the first state to have recognised and appoint Consultant Pharmacists in the Public Service. Conference was thrilled about the existence of a Council of Healthcare Professionals which is comprised of representatives of all healthcare professionals in the state which meets regularly to drive the team effort in healthcare delivery in the state. Conference thanked the Commissioner of Health in the State for his effective presence in all required conference programs and his commitment to ensuring, under the leadership of his Excellency, the Governor of Niger State, positive efforts aimed at ensuring a better life for the indigents of the State which also directly impacted on the serenity and peace of the delegates to the 89th Annual National Conference in Minna.

 

18. Conference thanked His Excellency, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, GCON,SAN, Vice President, of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and His representative the Hon. Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, FAS, the Executive Governor of Niger State, His Excellency, Abubakar Sani Bello, the Executive Governor of Kano State, His Excellency, Dr. Abdullahi U. Ganduje OFR, the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Marafa, the wife of the Governor of Niger State, Her Excellency, Dr. (Mrs.) Amina Abubakar Sani Bello, the Hon. Commissioner of Health, Dr. Mustapha Jibrin, the Honourable Commissioner for Health Kano State, Dr Kabiru Ibrahim Getso, the Hon. Commissioner of Information, Culture and Tourism, Hon. Jonathan Vatsa, former President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida GCFR,His Royal Highness, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji (Dr.) Yahaya Abubakar, CFR, His Royal Highness, the Emir of Minna, Alhaji (Dr.) Umar Farouk Bahago, CON, His Excellency, the former Deputy Governor of Niger State, Alhaji Ahmed Musa Ibeto, His Excellency, the Deputy Governor of Niger State, Sen. Shem Nuhu Zagbayi and the good people of Niger State for their hospitality and serene atmosphere which facilitated the success of the Conference.

 

At the end of the Conference, the AGM elected the following pharmacists to serve and pilot the affairs of the Society for the next one year.

 

1. Pharm. Ahmed I.Yakasai, FPSN, FNAPharm, FNIM – President

 

2. Pharm. Daniel Orumwense,FPSN, FPCPharm – Deputy President (South)

 

3 Pharm. (Hon.) John Enger,FPSN – Deputy President (North)

 

4. Pharm. Gbolagade Iyiola,MAW – National Secretary

 

5. Pharm. Uzoma Nwigudu – Asst. National Secretary

 

6. Pharm. Emeka Callistus Duru – National Treasurer

 

7. Pharm. Chinyere Osakwe – National Financial Secretary

 

8. Pharm. (Mrs.) Arinola E. Joda, PhD, FPCPharm, MAW – National Publicity Secretary

 

9. Pharm. (Mrs.) Bolajoko Aina,Ph.D, FPCPharm – Editor-in-Chief

 

10. Pharm. Amid Olanrewaju Alege,MAW – Internal Auditor

 

11. Pharm. Victor Okwuosa,MAW – Unofficial Member

 

12. Pharm. Idris Pada,FPSN – Unofficial Member

 

13. Pharm. Olumide Akintayo, FPSN, FPCPharm, FNAPharm, FNIM – Immediate Past President

 

SIGNED

 

PHARM. AHMED I. YAKASAI, FPSN,FNAPharm,FNIM

 

PRESIDENT

 

PHARM. GBOLAGADE IYIOLA, MAW

 

NATIONAL SECRETARY