The Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (NAIP), Kano State Branch, has reaffirmed its commitment to regulatory excellence, professional development, and industrial growth following high-level courtesy visits to the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Kano.

KANO, Nigeria – August 3, 2026: The Executive Committee and Elders of the National Association of Industrial Pharmacists (NAIP), Kano State Branch, on Monday paid separate courtesy visits to the Kano offices of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) as part of efforts to strengthen strategic partnerships, improve regulatory collaboration, and promote the growth of the pharmaceutical profession and industry in the state.

The delegation, led by the Chairman of NAIP Kano State Branch, Pharm. Gershon Dashe, was received at the PCN Kano Office by the State Head, Pharm. Hasiya Ladan, and later by the Kano State Director of NAFDAC, Mr. Kasim Idrisa. The engagements provided an opportunity for meaningful discussions on professional development, regulatory compliance, mentorship, and capacity building for pharmacists and pharmaceutical manufacturers.

Focus on Mentorship and Regulatory Harmonisation

During the meeting with the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, discussions centered on mentoring young pharmacists, particularly on premises registration, regulatory compliance, and the statutory responsibilities of Superintendent Pharmacists and Pharmacist Directors. The deliberations also highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration between regulatory institutions and industry stakeholders to ensure sustainable professional practice.

Speaking during the visit, the NAIP Chairman, Pharm. Gershon Dashe, emphasized that harmonisation of regulatory guidelines between PCN and NAFDAC remains essential for effective implementation of regulatory policies and adherence to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), particularly for pharmaceutical manufacturers operating within the state.

Responding, the Head of the PCN Kano Office, Pharm. Hasiya Ladan, disclosed that both agencies have already signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering closer collaboration and harmonising regulatory activities. She noted that the partnership would further improve regulatory efficiency while ensuring better service delivery to pharmacy professionals and the public.

As part of its commitment to professional development, NAIP announced plans to immediately champion a structured mentorship programme for the Young Pharmacists Group (YPG), Kano Zone. According to the association, the initiative is designed to equip early-career pharmacists with practical knowledge of regulatory requirements and professional responsibilities, thereby strengthening their competence and confidence in practice.



Capacity Building for the Pharmaceutical Industry

The NAIP delegation subsequently visited the Kano office of NAFDAC, where discussions focused on creating a more enabling regulatory environment for local pharmaceutical manufacturers while enhancing capacity-building initiatives across the industry.

The Kano State Director of NAFDAC, Mr. Kasim Idrisa, assured the delegation that the agency would embark on sensitisation visits to pharmaceutical industries and other stakeholders where necessary. He explained that the initiative is intended to improve regulatory compliance, provide technical guidance, and enhance the operational capacity of pharmaceutical manufacturers within the state.

In response, Pharm. Gershon Dashe reaffirmed NAIP's commitment to complementing NAFDAC's efforts through the newly established NAIP Academy, which will organise periodic capacity-building programmes for professionals working in the pharmaceutical industry. He stated that the academy would serve as a platform for continuous professional development, regulatory education, and industry advancement.

Mr. Idrisa further pledged NAFDAC's full support for the proposed initiative, noting that sustained collaboration between regulatory agencies and professional associations is critical to improving the quality, safety, and competitiveness of pharmaceutical products manufactured in Nigeria.

Shared Commitment to Professional Excellence

The courtesy visits underscored the importance of sustained engagement among regulators, industry practitioners, and professional bodies in advancing pharmacy practice and strengthening the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector in Kano State. The meetings also provided an avenue for addressing common challenges and identifying opportunities for collaborative interventions that will benefit both the profession and the healthcare system.

At the conclusion of the engagements, Pharm. Gershon Dashe expressed appreciation to the leadership of both PCN and NAFDAC for their warm reception and unwavering support. He reaffirmed NAIP Kano's commitment to fostering strategic partnerships, promoting mentorship, encouraging regulatory compliance, and supporting initiatives that will contribute to the continued growth of the pharmaceutical profession and industry.

Both visits ended with a shared resolve to sustain collaboration, strengthen institutional relationships, and work collectively toward building a more resilient pharmaceutical sector capable of meeting the healthcare needs of Kano State and Nigeria at large.