Nigeria Commemorates World Pharmacy Day 2025 with Nationwide Outreach and Renewed Commitment to Healthcare
By Ujunwa Eunice Nwankwo
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has officially commemorated World Pharmacy Day 2025 with a three-day event in Abuja, themed “Think Health, Think Pharmacy.” The event marked a historic first for Nigeria, as the country joined the global community in celebrating the vital role pharmacists play in healthcare delivery.
The commemorative activities brought together a wide range of stakeholders — including representatives of government and private health institutions, pharmacy professionals, healthcare enthusiasts, and strategic partners. Events included a health walk, medical outreach, a ministerial press briefing, and public engagement programs, all aimed at raising awareness of the indispensable role of pharmacists in Nigeria’s health system.
As part of the outreach, medical professionals provided free health checkups and medications to hundreds of Nigerians. The turnout was overwhelming, underscoring the growing recognition of the pharmacist’s role in promoting public health.
In an interview during the outreach, Pharmacist Talatu Kashim Yahama, Head of the Pharmaceutical Division, Food and Drug Department of the Ministry, expressed pride in the unprecedented celebration. She described the initiative as a milestone, stating, “This is the first time the Ministry is formally honoring the pharmacy profession in this way.” She also noted the health walk recorded over 100 participants, covering 8,000 millimeters, promoting wellness and physical activity.
Pharmacist Talatu urged Nigerians to consult registered pharmacists for proper medication guidance, emphasizing their role as “custodians of medicine.” She warned against patronizing quacks and stressed the need for professional medical counsel to ensure drug safety and efficacy.
Government and Stakeholders Speak
At the ministerial press briefing, key stakeholders from both public and private sectors delivered goodwill messages. Representatives included:
Mrs. Olyfowobi Yusuf Adeola, MNI – Representing the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health
Mr. Fraden Bimeb – Representing NAFDAC’s Food Chemical Cosmetic Water Safety Division
Mr. Kim Johkim – Representing Codex Phomco Ltd
Pharmacist Sunday Adeola – Representing MEB Global Reach
Pharmacist Usman M. Monday – Representing the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, CON, was represented by Mrs. Ladidi Bako Ayegbusi, who acknowledged the significance of the event, noting that “this is the first time Nigeria is joining the world to celebrate the pharmacy profession.” She stated that the theme “Think Health, Think Pharmacy” underlines the strategic role pharmacists play in the healthcare ecosystem — not just as dispensers of medicine, but as frontline health professionals.
Strengthening the Pharmacy Sector
Mrs. Bako highlighted major policy strides taken by the Ministry to strengthen the pharmaceutical landscape, including:
- The National Drug Policy – Improving access, safeguarding drug use, and enhancing regulatory mechanisms.
- The In-Pharmacy Policy – Leveraging digital platforms for better access and transparency in drug distribution.
- The Essential Medicines List – Ensuring availability and affordability of life-saving drugs nationwide.
She noted that these initiatives align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes a stronger healthcare infrastructure, including the pharmaceutical sector. As part of this vision, local pharmaceutical manufacturers will be empowered to boost domestic production of essential medicines.
Looking ahead, the Minister emphasized the need for collaborative action among the government, private sector, individuals, and both local and international partners to advance the sector further. She announced that plans are underway to make World Pharmacy Day an annual national event.
Mrs. Bako further urged stakeholders to invest in pharmacy education, research, and workforce development, stating that pharmacists should be supported to take up expanded roles in primary healthcare, mental health services, and management of non-communicable diseases. She also stressed the importance of eliminating counterfeit and substandard medicines through robust regulatory frameworks and public education.
Celebrating a New Chapter
The celebration concluded with a grand finale event, where dignitaries, health agencies, private sector players, partners, and medical professionals gathered to honor the contributions of pharmacists in Nigeria.
In her closing remarks, Mrs. Bako appreciated the continued support from local and international partners in areas such as capacity building, digital health integration, supply chain enhancement, and policy development. She reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to making Nigeria a hub for pharmaceutical innovation and excellence.
“We are shaping a future where Nigeria is safer, where access to affordable medicines is guaranteed, and where pharmacists are empowered and fully integrated at all levels of care,” she affirmed.
