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<p>By Saidu Lawal Burji</p><div class="bAa4DHoO" style="clear:both;float:left;width:100%;margin:0 0 20px 0;"><script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script>

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<p>I wish to commend Your Excellency for the timely establishment of the Special Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Kano State. This initiative demonstrates your administration&#8217;s commitment to protecting the health, security, and future of the citizens of Kano State, particularly the youth who are disproportionately affected by substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.</p>
<p>The composition of the Task Force reflects a commendable multi-sectoral approach involving security agencies, health institutions, traditional and religious stakeholders, and civil society representatives. However, considering the critical role of pharmaceutical regulation in combating drug abuse and illicit drug circulation, I respectfully wish to advocate for the inclusion of representatives from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) as members of the Task Force.</p>
<p>The inclusion of these two statutory regulatory agencies would significantly strengthen the operational capacity and effectiveness of the Task Force for the following reasons:</p><div class="wLMihHkG" style="clear:both;float:left;width:100%;margin:0 0 20px 0;"><script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script>

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<p>Expertise in Drug Regulation and Control</p>
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<p>NAFDAC is the foremost federal agency charged with regulating and controlling the manufacture, importation, distribution, sale, and use of medicines and other regulated products in Nigeria. The agency possesses extensive intelligence, technical expertise, and enforcement experience relating to counterfeit, substandard, unregistered, and controlled substances that often fuel drug abuse.</p>
<p>Regulation of Pharmaceutical Premises and Medicine Distribution Channels</p>
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<p>The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria is the statutory body responsible for regulating pharmacy practice, pharmaceutical premises, patent and proprietary medicine vendors, and medicine distribution systems. PCN&#8217;s knowledge of legitimate medicine supply chains and pharmaceutical establishments would be invaluable in identifying sources of diversion, illegal medicine sales, and unauthorized drug outlets.</p>
<p>Support for Intelligence Gathering and Enforcement Operations</p>
<p>Both agencies maintain valuable databases and field intelligence relating to pharmaceutical products, distribution networks, and regulatory violations. Their participation would enhance the Task Force&#8217;s ability to identify illicit drug distribution points and support evidence-based enforcement actions.</p>
<p>Strengthening Investigations and Prosecution</p>
<p>Effective prosecution of drug-related offences requires technical evidence concerning drug authenticity, regulatory status, licensing requirements, and pharmaceutical standards. NAFDAC and PCN can provide expert witnesses, forensic support, and regulatory documentation necessary for successful prosecution of offenders.</p>
<p>Public Education and Demand Reduction</p>
<p>Both agencies have extensive experience in public enlightenment campaigns on rational medicine use, dangers of substance abuse, and safe medicine practices. Their participation would strengthen the advocacy and preventive components of the Task Force&#8217;s mandate.</p>
<p>Promotion of a Comprehensive Public Health Approach</p>
<p>Drug abuse is not only a security challenge but also a significant public health issue. The inclusion of NAFDAC and PCN would ensure that regulatory, preventive, and public health perspectives are adequately integrated into the Task Force&#8217;s activities.</p>
<p>Your Excellency, the inclusion of these agencies will complement the efforts of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other security institutions while ensuring a more comprehensive and sustainable response to the challenge of drug abuse and illicit trafficking in Kano State.</p>
<p>I therefore respectfully appeal to Your Excellency to consider expanding the membership of the Special Task Force to include one representative each from NAFDAC and the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria.</p>
<p>I am confident that such inclusion will further strengthen the capacity of the Task Force to achieve its noble objectives and contribute meaningfully to the realization of a healthier, safer, and drug-free Kano State.</p>
<p>Please accept the assurances of my highest esteem and regards.</p>
<p>Yours faithfully,</p>
<p>Saidu Lawal Burji Bpharm, MHE, Msc GHaP(in view)<br />
Chief Pharmacist<br />
Pharmacy Council of Nigeria<br />
Kano State Office<br />
burji1120@gmail.com</p>
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