Nigerian pharmacists raise alarm over exit of 9000 members in four years

The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has expressed concern over the departure of at least 9,000 pharmacists from the country over the past four years. Describing this as a regrettable phenomenon, the group has called for resources to be provided to improve the working conditions of professionals in order to address the alarming rate of emigration in the medical sector.

Pharmacist Ambrose Ezeh, the ACPN National Chairman, made this call at the 45th annual national scientific conference of the association held in Abuja.

According to Ezeh, a staggering 9,000 pharmacists have left Nigeria during this period. He also revealed that this trend has continued into 2026, with more than 850 pharmacists obtaining letters of good standing within the first six months of the year, with the intention of relocating to countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States.

Ezeh pointed to several factors driving this brain drain, including poor reward systems, delayed enforcement of drug distribution guidelines, and disorganized medicine procurement networks.

The pharmacist shortage caused by this emigration is creating serious challenges for patient safety, healthcare delivery, and the sustainability of the entire pharmaceutical sector. In response to this crisis, Ezeh has urged the government to take action, including strengthening the pharmaceutical industry and supporting executive or private-member bills that address some of the sector's most pressing challenges.