Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, is set to host a major convergence of political leaders, health policymakers, and pharmaceutical experts as the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, ACPN, prepares for its 45th Annual International Scientific Conference.
Tagged “Unity 2026,” the conference will run from July 27 to August 1, 2026, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre. It will focus on the theme: “From Local Pharmacy Practice to Global Impact: Managing Complex Political Systems.” Organisers say the week-long event is designed to expand healthcare access and strengthen Nigeria’s health system.
The conference will open on July 27 with a nationwide awareness walk on health insurance. The walk, themed “Health Insurance for All: Leaving No One Behind,” will be led by the Director-General of the National Health Insurance Authority, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, and ACPN National Chairman, Pharm. Ezeh Ambrose Igwekamma. The exercise is expected to draw community pharmacists, healthcare stakeholders, policymakers, and members of the public to promote wider enrollment in the National Health Insurance Scheme.
When proceedings move to the conference venue, Dr. Ohiri will deliver a keynote presentation on “Leveraging NHIA–Community Pharmacists Collaboration as a Catalyst for Universal Health Coverage.” He is expected to outline how deeper partnerships between pharmacists and insurance providers can reduce out-of-pocket costs and bring essential medicines closer to Nigerians at the grassroots.
Another lead speaker is the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Muyi Aina. He will speak on “Healthcare System Strengthening and Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria,” with focus on building a more resilient primary healthcare network that integrates community pharmacies into service delivery.
The event has drawn confirmations from top government officials and policymakers. Expected dignitaries include Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate. Leaders from the pharmaceutical industry and development partners are also expected.
Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Pharm. Chidi Dozie, said all logistics have been concluded to receive local and international delegates. He described Unity 2026 as one of the largest gatherings of community pharmacists in Africa, aimed at shaping policy around healthcare delivery, pharmaceutical supply chains, drug regulation, and access to medicines.
According to Dozie, the presence of senior government officials shows growing recognition of community pharmacists as critical players in Nigeria’s healthcare architecture. He said the conference would translate professional recommendations into actionable policies that can improve access to quality medicines and strengthen national health security, especially in rural and underserved areas.
Participants are also expected to gain insights into optimizing pharmaceutical supply chains, improving operational efficiency, managing regulatory risks, and adopting digital tools in pharmacy practice. Dozie stressed the need for stronger institutional frameworks to protect investments in the pharmacy sector while ensuring sustainable healthcare delivery across the country.
ACPN National Chairman, Pharm. Ezeh Ambrose Igwekamma, described Unity 2026 as a defining moment for the profession. He said community pharmacists have taken on greater responsibilities in the last decade in expanding access to care and should now be fully integrated into grassroots healthcare and rural development programmes.
“Our expectation for Unity 2026 goes beyond professional discussions. We aim to develop a practical roadmap that will strengthen community pharmacy practice and position pharmacists as key contributors to healthcare policy and national development,” Igwekamma said. He also highlighted ACPN’s rollout of the Community Pharmacists Assessment and Career Progression Institute, CPACPI, a framework endorsed by the International Pharmaceutical Federation to support structured professional growth.
Keynote Speaker and Managing Director of Evans Therapeutics Limited, Pharm. Adewale Oyenuga, said the conference will address pharmaceutical manufacturing, supply chain resilience, and regulatory compliance. He added that boosting local drug production and aligning with global standards are vital to guaranteeing access to safe and affordable medicines. Also speaking, President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Pharm. Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim, called the gathering a watershed moment, urging pharmacists to combine technical expertise with policy engagement to influence healthcare governance.
With high-level policy dialogues, technical sessions, exhibitions, and professional development programmes on the agenda, Unity 2026 is expected to generate concrete solutions. Organisers say the conference will serve as a launchpad for initiatives that improve access to quality medicines, strengthen the health system, and build a resilient pharmaceutical sector capable of meeting the health needs of millions of Nigerians.