Nigeria Fails to Prioritize Supply Chain and Logistics, Leaving Patients with Limited Access to Medication

The lack of attention to supply chain and logistics in Nigeria has led to significant challenges in the pharmaceutical sector, ultimately affecting patients’ access to quality and affordable medication. This was highlighted by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) and the African Centre for Supply Chain (ACSC) during the public presentation of the Nigerian Logistics and Supply Chain 2023 report.

According to Pharm Ibrahim Babashehu Ahmed, PCN Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, the council has taken steps to address this issue by implementing the national drug distribution guideline. This move is aimed at streamlining logistics and distribution, ultimately reducing access to substandard medicines.

Ahmed emphasized the importance of patients having access to quality and affordable medicines. He revealed that the current government is taking steps to improve access to medicines, which is a welcomed development.

The Nigerian Logistics and Supply Chain 2023 report covered various challenges in the pharmaceutical sector, including manufacturing, distribution, and patient access to medication. Experts from the ACSC, including Professor A.G. Sumaila, chairman of the Governing Council, and Dr Obiora Madu, Director General, emphasized the crucial role of logistics in the supply chain.

Professor Sumaila highlighted the importance of logistics, stating that “supply chain logistics is life; without logistics, there is no life.” Dr Madu echoed this sentiment, saying that supply chain is no longer just part of the system but the system itself.

The experts’ comments underscore the need for Nigeria to prioritize supply chain and logistics to ensure that patients have access to quality and affordable medication. As the country works to address this issue, it is clear that the consequences of inaction will be severe, with patients bearing the brunt of the neglect.

By acknowledging the challenges in the pharmaceutical sector and taking steps to address them, Nigeria can work towards creating a more efficient and effective supply chain that benefits patients and the broader healthcare system. The government’s efforts to improve access to medicines are a step in the right direction, but sustained attention and commitment are needed to ensure that this vital sector receives the attention it deserves.