NATIONAL DRUG POLICY 3RD EDITION, 2021

A Policy provides a framework for regulating pharmaceuticals in Nigeria, focusing on access to quality medicines and rational use. It targets health ministries, manufacturers, and healthcare providers to ensure safe drug practices. This aims to make affordable medicines available to everyone.

What Is This Policy?

Nigeria's comprehensive national drug policy (3rd edition, 2021) providing the overarching framework for pharmaceutical regulation, medicines access, rational use, and drug quality throughout the health system.

Who Does It Target?

Federal Ministry of Health and NAFDAC Pharmaceutical manufacturers and importers Healthcare providers prescribing and dispensing medicines Patients and consumers of pharmaceutical products

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Ensure that all Nigerians have access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable medicines, and that medicines are prescribed, dispensed, and used rationally.

Key Features

Essential Medicines: Strengthens the essential medicines system as the foundation of medicines access policy. Regulatory Framework: Updates pharmaceutical regulation standards in line with international best practices. Rational Use: Promotes evidence-based prescribing, dispensing, and patient education on medicines. Local Manufacturing: Supports development of Nigeria's pharmaceutical manufacturing sector.

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Active — implementation across the health system Coverage: Nationwide pharmaceutical sector Beneficiaries: Patients; pharmaceutical industry; health system Funding: Federal Government; donor support

How to Access

Healthcare providers: access policy to guide prescribing and dispensing practice Pharmaceutical companies: align regulatory submissions with the updated policy Patients: access essential medicines at government facilities free or at regulated prices Application method: Access at https://www.health.gov.ng

Important Terms

The National Drug Policy guides all pharmaceutical regulation in Nigeria Local manufacturing of essential medicines is a strategic priority under the 2021 policy Counterfeit medicines remain a major challenge — NAFDAC enforcement is central to this policy

Official Resources

Website: https://www.health.gov.ng Contact: Federal Ministry of Health — Pharmaceutical Services / NAFDAC

Legal Framework

The National Drug Policy (3rd Edition, 2021) operates under the NAFDAC Act, the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria Act, and the National Health Act 2014. It aligns with the National Health Insurance Authority Act 2022, WHO's Model List of Essential Medicines, the WHO Medicine Quality Assessment Framework, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3.8 on access to essential medicines). The National Health Sector Development Plan provides the broader health system framework.