The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, has unveiled the Electronic Pharmacy (e-pharmacy) Regulation, 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system through digital innovation.
Speaking at the official launch in Abuja, Pate said the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s drive to achieve Universal Health Coverage under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He explained that the regulation aims to establish a safe, accessible and well-regulated national e-pharmacy system that leverages digital technology to improve health outcomes.
According to him, the framework will ensure reliable access to medicines, support treatment adherence through digital tools and enhance data collection for better healthcare planning.
Pate noted that the regulation covers key areas including registration and licensing, prescription management, drug supply and quality assurance, data privacy, monitoring and consumer protection.
He described the launch as a major step in aligning pharmacy practice in Nigeria with global health standards, adding that all stakeholders in the digital pharmacy ecosystem must comply with the new rules.
The minister warned operators against exploiting the digital space to distribute substandard or falsified medicines, stressing that regulatory authorities are prepared to enforce compliance.
Registrar of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, Pharm. Ibrahim Babashehu Ahmed, said the regulation provides a modern framework to guide the evolving digital access to medicines while ensuring safety and accountability.
He added that the policy was developed through collaboration with key stakeholders, including technology experts, healthcare providers and legal professionals.
Also speaking, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Daju Kachollom, represented by Director of Hospital Services, Dr Abisola Adegoke, said the regulation would strengthen medicine traceability and expand access to safe pharmaceutical services, especially in underserved areas.
Stakeholders, including representatives of the World Health Organisation, World Bank and Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, commended the initiative and called for its full implementation.
