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Strengthening Nigeria’s Health System through Medicines Policy Reform

Exploring pharmaceutical policy for equitable, sustainable, and universal health access in Nigeria.

About the Nigeria Policy Series

Our Medicines series started with a deep dive into the role of medicines and pharmacy within the UK heath system; we are now expanding this research to an international level, starting with Nigeria and beyond. The Nigeria Medicines Policy series builds on lessons from health system challenges and is informed by the evolving priorities of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) to explore strategies that strengthen Nigeria’s health system and drive equitable access to quality assured medicines. The series convenes a diverse mix of senior policymakers, technical experts, development partners, and private sector leaders to critically examine persistent issues in governance, financing, integration and last-mile delivery, while co-creating practical, evidence-driven policy solutions for supply chain resilience and reform.  

Roundtable Recap: The Role of Policy in Scaling Nigeria's Pharmaceutical Supply Chain

Topic:                   The Role of Policy in Scaling Nigeria's Pharmaceutical Supply Chain

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Date & Time:       Wednesday, 13th August 2025 | 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM (GMT+1)

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Format:                Closed-door, Invitation-Only Virtual Roundtable (via Zoom)

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Chair:                   Azuka Okeke, CEO of ARC_ESM

The high-level roundtable, chaired by Azuka Okeke, brought together key stakeholders to address the systemic challenges in Nigeria's pharmaceutical supply chain. The discussion provided an in-depth examination of existing policy gaps, explored barriers to effective implementation, and generated evidence-based recommendations for improvement. Participants collaborated to identify strategies aimed at strengthening resilience, fostering innovation, improving governance, enhancing supply chain integration, and ensuring equitable access to essential medicines. These insights are expected to contribute significantly to advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) across Nigeria..

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Note: Participation in this exclusive event was by invitation only, and registered attendees joined through a secure Zoom link.

Case Study: Nigeria Medicines Policy Roundtable

Strengthening Nigeria's Health System through Medicines Policy Reform

GPN's roundtable in Nigeria, delivered in partnership with the African Resource Centre for Supply Chain Excellence, exemplifies our commitment to culturally relevant and actionable policy dialogue. Exploring pharmaceutical policy for equitable, sustainable, and universal health access in Nigeria.

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Did the Roundtable Inform Next Policy Steps?

75% of participants said the GPN event reflected local culture and inclusive needs.

100% of respondents gained valuable insights.

88% agreed the event effectively informed next policy steps.

Participant Feedback:

"The root cause of our situation was x-rayed by GPN from different angles."
— Nnamdi Azikiwe University

Featured Chair

Azuka Okeke

CEO, Africa Resource Centre for Excellence in Supply Chain Management (ARC-ESM)

"Azuka leads strategic efforts to strengthen pharmaceutical systems and improve access to essential medicines across Africa. A trained pharmacist and public health expert, Azuka has worked with governments, global institutions, and frontline actors to reform health supply chains through data-driven innovation, policy advocacy, and inclusive leadership. She is a passionate champion for pharmacist-led systems reform and is recognised for her ability to bridge global partnerships with local action. "

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Azuka Okeke Call to Action

“As CEO of ARC_ESM, I extend a heartfelt invitation to senior policymakers at the National and Sub-National levels, development partners, and private sector leaders to join us at a pivotal roundtable on the future of Nigeria’s pharmaceutical supply chain.

 

We recognize and deeply respect the work that has been done over the years by countless stakeholders, governments, institutions, and partners, who have laid the foundation for progress in this space. Building on these efforts, ARC_ESM has recently focused on strengthening access to lifesaving health products through targeted policy initiatives and strategic partnerships. From advancing public private partnerships, pooled purchasing and innovative shared warehousing models to supporting improved coordination and last-mile delivery, we are committed to complementing ongoing efforts with scalable, collaborative solutions.

 

This roundtable offers an opportunity to come together, not to reinvent the wheel, but to identify where we can leapfrog progress, align fragmented initiatives, and amplify what is already working. We aim to co-develop practical, evidence-informed recommendations that can guide national and subnational decision-making and accelerate access to essential medicines for all Nigerians.

 

We hope you will lend your voice, experience, and leadership to this important conversation. Together, we can create a more connected, equitable, and resilient pharmaceutical system for the future.”

Featured Speakers

Featured Speakers

Leading Experts Driving Health System Transformation

Our inaugural roundtable brings together an exceptional panel of experts and leaders, each contributing invaluable insights to the future of Nigeria's pharmaceutical supply chain and Universal Health Coverage.

Prof Chimezie
Prof. Chimezie Anyakora
CEO, Bloom Public Health & Chairman, Afriserve Milestone

 

Professor Chimezie Anyakora is a distinguished pharmaceutical chemist and public health expert with extensive experience spanning academia, pharmaceutical quality systems, and health policy across Africa. As the CEO of Bloom Public Health, a prominent pan-African think tank, he is dedicated to delivering locally driven health solutions.

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Emmanuel
Dr. Emmanuel Ogwuche
Former Logistics & Commodities Program Manager, Health, Population, and Nutrition Office, USAID/Nigeria
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Dr. Emmanuel Ogwuche is a medical consultant and public health specialist. As a senior logistics advisor at USAID, Dr. Ogwuche was instrumental in leading the implementation of the Direct Delivery and Information Capture (DDIC) system, significantly improving the delivery of contraceptives, antimalarials, and MNCH commodities to rural Nigeria.

Pharm. Frank Mounemeh
Executive Secretary/CEO, Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PMG-MAN)

 

Pharm. Frank Muonemeh serves as the Executive Secretary and CEO of PMG-MAN, the umbrella body representing over 120 domestic pharmaceutical manufacturers. He is a vocal advocate for medicine security and local drug self-sufficiency, actively campaigning for government support to achieve 70% local pharmaceutical production in Nigeria.

Pharm Aisha
Pharm. Aisha Isyaku Tukur
Chairperson, Forum of Heads of Drug Management Agencies Nigeria & Executive Secretary, KADSHMA

 

Pharm. Aisha Tukur Isyaku is a highly accomplished Nigerian pharmacist and public health administrator. Serving as Executive Secretary of KADSHMA since December 2020, she leads significant efforts to modernize Kaduna state's medical procurement and distribution system.

Pharm. Celine
Pharm. Celine Onunkwo
National Coordinator, National Product Supply Chain Management Programme (NPSCMP)
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Pharm. Celine Onunkwo is the National Coordinator of Nigeria's NPSCMP. Her leadership is pivotal in designing, standardizing, and strengthening the country's health product supply chain to achieve universal health coverage.

Pharm. Rahman
Pharm. Rahman Kelani
Consultant, Vaccines, Cold Chain, and Healthcare Waste Management, McKing Consulting Corporation

 

Pharm. Rahman Kelani is a seasoned logistics and supply chain expert with over 20 years of extensive experience in humanitarian and public health sectors. He has led strategic operations supporting immunization, vaccine distribution, and disease control programs both within Nigeria and internationally.

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