Grant Tax Reliefs to Curb Rising Drug Prices, Pharmacists Tell Government
By Ekanem Asuquo
The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to introduce business friendly tax policies and end multiple taxation in the health sector as part of measures to reduce the rising cost of drugs in the country.
The association warned that the increasing cost of medicines is encouraging the spread of fake and substandard pharmaceutical products, thereby posing serious risks to public health.
The concerns were raised during the 2026 Business Summit of the association held in Calabar with the theme “Tax Reforms: Impact on Community Pharmacy Practice.”
National Chairman of the association, Ezeh Igwekamma, said community pharmacists are facing mounting economic pressure due to the prevailing business climate and heavy tax burden on healthcare enterprises.
According to him, community pharmacists play a strategic role in healthcare delivery as most Nigerians depend on them for first line medical attention before visiting hospitals.
“Seventy percent of Nigerians access healthcare through community pharmacists before going to the hospital. We are critical stakeholders in the health sector and we need policies that reflect that role,” he stated.
Igwekamma maintained that excessive taxation and harsh economic conditions are making medicines less affordable for ordinary Nigerians, particularly those living in rural and underserved communities.
He appealed to government to create incentives for pharmacists operating in remote areas in order to improve access to healthcare services and strengthen economic productivity.
Chairman of the association in Cross River State, Iyke Okafor, said recent tax reforms have created uncertainty among practitioners who are struggling to fully understand the new policies and their implications.
He described the summit as an important platform for pharmacists to engage experts, gain clarity on tax obligations and prepare themselves for compliance.
“We are the first line of healthcare providers. Practitioners suffer when there are tax issues without clarity,” he said.
Tax consultant Akpanke Ogar explained that the reforms were introduced to simplify existing tax laws, stimulate business growth and improve revenue generation for government.
He advised operators in the sector to ensure proper registration, timely filing of returns and accurate documentation of their financial activities.
Also speaking during a presentation titled “Maximizing Tax Liabilities Through Documentation and Compliance,” Ndubuisi Nwoko cautioned pharmacists against poor record keeping, warning that non compliance could deny them the benefits embedded in the new tax regime.
Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Egbe Ayuk, highlighted reforms by the state government in the area of drug management, including efforts to establish a drug management agency to improve access to quality medicines across the state.
