Pharmacists have expressed divergent views over the import ban on paracetamol and other commonly used medicines, raising concerns about its potential impact on drug availability, affordability, and local manufacturing capacity.
While some stakeholders argue that restricting imports could boost domestic pharmaceutical production and reduce dependence on foreign supplies, others warn that the policy may trigger shortages and drive up prices if local capacity is not sufficiently strengthened.
They noted that Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector still faces challenges such as limited infrastructure, high production costs, and reliance on imported raw materials.
The experts differed while reacting to the revised list of prohibited imports by the Federal Government, which included pharmaceutical products. The updated directive, issued by the Federal Ministry of Finance and dated April 1, 2026, outlines 17 categories of goods now barred from entry through all ports.
The importation of the drugs was banned under HS Codes 3003.10.00.00 to 3004.90.90.00.
The banned pharmaceutical products include commonly used medicines such as paracetamol, metronidazole, cotrimoxazole, and chloroquine.
Also affected are multivitamins, aspirin, folic acid, and ointments such as penicillin and gentamicin.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with PUNCH Healthwise, a former President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Olumide Akintayo, said the move by the Federal Government was in the right direction.
He explained that it was surprising that, despite Nigeria having enough capacity to produce the products, they were still being imported.
“It is one of the best things the government has done, and it is a step in the right direction. The advantages are many,” he said.
The former PSN president added, “When a country begins to produce its own products, it reduces reliance on imports, and logically, it reduces vulnerability. Of course, it leads to better drug security.
“Local manufacturing of drugs will shorten the supply chain. It will prevent out-of-stock situations. Quality assurance will also be guaranteed at all times because you can track all the manufacturing.”
According to him, Nigeria has about 120 pharmaceutical firms, and if they attain functional capacity utilisation, this will lead to employment opportunities for a vast number of Nigerians.
Akintayo said, “If Nigeria takes ownership and responsibility, sustainability will ensure that drugs become more affordable and available, in line with the National Drug Policy of 2021. One of the things this will do is ensure that pharma production contributes more significantly to Nigeria’s gross domestic product.”
On his part, the immediate past Vice Chairman of PSN, Ogun State chapter, Dr Olumide Obube, said while moves to strengthen local pharmaceutical manufacturing are necessary for national development, they require a deliberate, phased, and well-supported approach.
According to him, Nigeria currently imports over 70 per cent of its medicines and pharmaceutical raw materials, while local production accounts for less than 30 per cent of national demand.
Even more concerning, he said, is the fact that the majority of locally manufactured drugs rely heavily on imported active pharmaceutical ingredients.
“This structural dependency implies that banning finished product imports without first strengthening local API production creates a fragile and potentially unsustainable supply system,” he said.
The pharmacist explained that paracetamol and other medicines affected by the ban are not luxury commodities but essential medicines under the World Health Organisation’s classification, forming the backbone of primary healthcare delivery.
“These drugs are widely used in the management of fever, infections, and common illnesses across all age groups, particularly among children and vulnerable populations. Any disruption in their availability will have immediate and far-reaching implications on disease management, morbidity, and overall health outcomes.
“In a country where access to healthcare is already challenged by economic constraints and infrastructural limitations, restricting access to such fundamental medicines is a risk that cannot be taken lightly,” he said.
Obube expressed concern that the ban may lead to drug shortages in Nigeria and a likely resurgence of counterfeit and substandard medicines.
According to him, Nigeria’s current industrial environment presents several structural challenges that must be addressed before such a ban can be effectively implemented.
He listed the challenges to include unreliable power supply, high production costs, limited access to financing, inadequate infrastructure, and a weak pharmaceutical raw material base.
“Without addressing these foundational issues, the ban risks overburdening local manufacturers, many of whom are already operating below optimal capacity. Instead of stimulating growth, the policy may inadvertently stifle the very industry it seeks to promote.
“A more pragmatic and evidence-based approach would involve a phased import substitution strategy spanning several years, during which local manufacturers are supported through tax incentives, subsidised utilities, access to low-interest financing, and targeted investments in API production,” Obube said. (PUNCH)
