Akwa Ibom PSN commends Gov Eno over approval of Pharmacist Consultant

The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, has commended Governor Umo Eno over the approval of the Pharmacist Consultant Cadre in the state civil service, describing it as a landmark achievement that will advance specialist pharmacy practice, strengthen healthcare delivery and enhance pharmacists’ career progression.

The approval, formalised through Akwa Ibom State Government Establishments Circular No. 5/2026, issued by the Office of the Head of Civil Service and effective from October 2026, establishes a formal career structure for pharmacists with specialist competencies in the state public service.

In a statement made available through its State Chairman, Pharm. Nsikak Effiong, a Fellow of the Postgraduate College of Pharmacy and consultant pharmacist, the society expressed profound appreciation to Governor Eno for his administration’s approval and support for the adoption of the cadre, describing the development as a demonstration of commitment to professional advancement and quality healthcare delivery.

The PSN acknowledged that the approval was the outcome of sustained advocacy, consultations and engagements involving pharmacists, the society’s leadership and successive administrations in the state. It, however, commended Governor Eno’s administration for providing the needed support to bring the long-standing aspiration to fruition, describing the development as a significant breakthrough and a reflection of the governor’s commitment to listening to professional bodies, addressing legitimate career concerns and creating an enabling environment for the growth of healthcare professionals.

The society said the governor’s intervention had earned him the gratitude and commendation of pharmacists across the state.

It also extended special appreciation to the Head of the Akwa Ibom State Civil Service, Mrs Elsie Peters, for her supportive disposition towards pharmacists and contribution to advancing the professional interests of the pharmacy community.

Effiong acknowledged her understanding of the profession, constructive engagement and support for pharmacists’ aspirations, which he said contributed to the realisation of the landmark achievement. The PSN also appreciated other government officials and relevant stakeholders whose cooperation and contributions helped facilitate the approval.

According to the statement, the development followed sustained professional advocacy and strategic engagement by the PSN leadership with relevant government authorities to secure institutional recognition for specialist pharmaceutical practice.

The Pharmacist Consultant Cadre was previously approved by the National Council on Establishments at its 41st meeting, held in Asaba from 4 to 8 November, 2019, before its adoption at the federal level through a Federal Civil Service circular dated 11 September, 2020.

Its adoption by the Akwa Ibom State Government provides a structured career pathway for pharmacists in the state civil service, aligning their professional advancement with the recognition accorded to specialist expertise.

Under the approved structure, the cadre comprises three levels: Consultant Pharmacist at Salary Grade Level 15; Consultant Pharmacist Special Grade II at Salary Grade Level 16; and Consultant Pharmacist Special Grade I at Salary Grade Level 17.

The PSN said the development was expected to strengthen specialist pharmaceutical services, encourage professional development, improve career advancement opportunities and support the retention of experienced pharmacists within the state’s healthcare system.

It added that formal recognition of specialist pharmacists would enable the health system to better harness their expertise in clinical decision-making, medication safety, rational medicine use and patient-centred care, with potential benefits for health outcomes.

The society described the approval as more than an administrative milestone, saying it represented an investment in professional excellence, specialist healthcare delivery and the future of pharmacy practice in the state.

It called for sustained collaboration among the PSN, the state government, relevant ministries, healthcare institutions and other stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the approved cadre.

The society congratulated pharmacists in the Akwa Ibom State Civil Service on the development, expressing optimism that the new structure would promote professional recognition, strengthen specialist pharmaceutical practice and enhance pharmacists’ contribution to healthcare delivery.

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