The Federal Government, in collaboration with key stakeholders in the health sector, has inaugurated the National Electronic Pharmacy Policy (NEPP) and its Strategic Implementation Plan in Abuja, aiming to transform healthcare delivery and regulate the online pharmaceutical market.

Speaking at the event, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, said the policy is designed to ensure Nigerians have access to safe, quality-assured, and affordable medicines, regardless of location.

Represented by Olubumi Aribeana, Director of Food and Drug Services, Pate noted that while digital platforms have revolutionized many sectors, the pharmaceutical industry remains fragmented, with minimal oversight over online medicine sales.

“The free-hand access in the pharmaceutical sector has created gaps where substandard medicines, unlicensed vendors, and misinformation thrive. The NEPP provides a clear, enforceable framework to regulate electronic pharmacy services, ensuring innovation does not compromise safety,” he said.

The policy establishes licensing and accreditation standards for digital pharmacies, enables real-time monitoring and traceability of medicines, and improves access to essential drugs, especially in underserved communities. Pate emphasized that the initiative promotes accountability across the pharmaceutical value chain and is the product of extensive collaboration among multiple agencies.

Acknowledging the role of partners, Pate thanked the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), NAFDAC, NITDA, NDPC, and NCC for their contribution in shaping the regulatory, data protection, and digital governance frameworks.

Implementation and Support

The Registrar/CEO of the PCN, Ibrahim-Babashehu Ahmed, said the policy provides strategic direction for the council as the implementing agency, adding that it has been approved by the Coordinating Minister of Health and endorsed by the Minister of Justice.

Support for the initiative also came from stakeholders like Munir Elelu of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria Foundation and David Adeyemi, CEO of Pharmachain Technologies, who praised the policy as an innovative step for Nigeria’s healthcare system. They highlighted the importance of proper implementation, noting that previous policies often failed due to poor execution, but expressed confidence in NEPP’s success.

The policy is expected to modernize healthcare delivery, ensure medicine quality, and expand access to underserved communities across Nigeria.