Amanze Chinonye
A petition has been presented before the House of Representatives against the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria over the approval and operational structure of the Lagos Coordinated Wholesale Centre (CWC), amid allegations that the arrangement could destabilise Nigeria’s pharmaceutical distribution chain.
The petition was presented during plenary on Thursday by Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan, who said stakeholders in the pharmaceutical sector had raised concerns over what they described as an exclusionary and controversial framework adopted for the Lagos CWC project.
According to the petition, Lagos, regarded as Nigeria’s largest pharmaceutical hub serving millions of consumers across the country, was allocated only one Coordinated Wholesale Centre with about 720 shops for more than 5,000 operators in the sector.
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The petitioners alleged that some states with comparatively smaller pharmaceutical markets were granted larger allocations and expansion opportunities, a situation they argued undermines fairness and market realities.
They further claimed that the current structure promotes monopoly, weakens fair competition, and imposes excessive financial burdens on operators, with entry costs for a shop unit reportedly estimated at about N93.5 million.
The stakeholders warned that the policy, if not urgently reviewed, could force thousands of legitimate pharmaceutical operators out of business and trigger wider consequences across the healthcare sector.
Among the concerns raised were possible disruptions in medicine supply chains, increased healthcare costs, loss of jobs, erosion of regulatory confidence, and the proliferation of unsafe informal drug distribution channels nationwide.
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The petition is also seeking a comprehensive investigation into the approval process for the Lagos CWC, including its ownership structure and alleged monopolistic interests.
In addition, the petitioners urged the House to direct the immediate approval of additional Coordinated Wholesale Centres in Lagos in line with public interest, equity, and the commercial realities of the pharmaceutical industry.
The House is expected to consider the petition in the coming days as lawmakers continue deliberations on regulatory and healthcare sector reforms.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
