Nigerian Journal Sustainability Research

Publications

Vol. 4 No. 1 (2026): Building Resilience: Perspectives on Sustainability

Conflicts of Interest, Institutional Effectiveness and Public Trust in the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria

Submitted
March 26, 2026
Published
2026-04-18

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of Conflicts of Interest, Institutional Effectiveness and Public Trust in the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria. The aim was to explore how COI influence regulatory actions, disciplinary measures, and public confidence in the PCN’s operations. The study employed a Logistic Regression model to analyze the relationship between COI, regulatory experience, political influence, and institutional transparency, using a purposive sampling method to target professionals directly involved with the PCN’s regulatory processes. A sample size of 345 respondents was surveyed using a structured questionnaire. The study adopted the Public Interest Theory and Conflict of Interest Theory as its theoretical framework. The findings revealed that COI sometimes prompt quicker regulatory actions, though not always in the public’s best interest, challenging traditional views of COI leading to biased decisions. The study also found that, contrary to common beliefs, COI can enhance public trust, particularly when disclosed transparently. Moreover, personal stakes, political influence, and regulatory experience were shown to have varying impacts on both regulatory effectiveness and public trust. The study concluded that while COI can negatively impact regulatory integrity, the broader socio-political context, transparency, and effective management play crucial roles in shaping outcomes. Therefore, the study recommended that the PCN implement stronger COI disclosure mechanisms, develop clear COI management policies, promote institutional transparency, and ensure political independence in decision-making.

References

  1. Adeola, O., & Taiwo, S. (2022). Balancing regulatory experience with ethical decision-making in healthcare. Nigerian Journal of Health Policy, 23(1), 35-42.
  2. Adeola, T., & Olorun, G. (2021). Political influence and regulatory practices in Nigeria’s pharmacy sector. African Journal of Public Policy, 13(2), 33-41.
  3. Akinwale, T., & Olamide, J. (2020). Institutional transparency and its effects on the effectiveness of regulatory bodies. Journal of Health Governance, 28(4), 122-130.
  4. Akinyemi, A. T., & Onah, D. (2021). Institutional governance and conflicts of interest in regulatory bodies: A study of the Nigerian healthcare sector. Journal of African Governance, 35(2), 142-158.
  5. Aliyu, R., & Kalu, N. (2020). Ethical implications of conflicts of interest in Nigerian healthcare regulation. Journal of Public Policy and Governance, 18(4), 112-119.
  6. Bamidele, A., & Ayodele, M. (2021). The role of regulatory experience in healthcare decision-making. Journal of Healthcare Ethics, 29(2), 67-74.
  7. Bola, P., & Olayemi, D. (2020). The role of political pressures in shaping regulatory decisions. Journal of Healthcare Regulation, 22(3), 111-118.
  8. Brown, J., & Williams, L. (2022). Evaluating regulatory decision-making in the pharmacy sector. Journal of Regulatory Practices, 12(2), 45-52.
  9. Chijioke, K., & Bello, T. (2021). Examining the role of personal stakes in pharmacy regulation. Journal of Healthcare Regulation, 27(1), 50-58.
  10. Deangelis, C. D. (2000). Conflict of interest and the public trust. JAMA, 284(17), 2237-2238. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.284.17.2237
  11. Durojaiye, S., & Olumide, F. (2021). Transparency in regulatory bodies and its role in public trust. Nigerian Journal of Public Administration, 26(2), 48-56.
  12. Evans, M., & Clark, R. (2021). Public trust and the role of transparency in healthcare regulation. Journal of Public Health and Ethics, 19(2), 102-110.
  13. Grundy, Q., Parker, L., Dimancesco, D., Tisocki, K., Kim, U., Fusire, T. T., Walkowiak, H., Shridhar, M., Kohler, J., Vian, T., & the WHO/SEARO. (2021). Conflict of interest management policies and practices in the public pharmaceutical sector in the WHO South-East Asia Region. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/publications
  14. Hanson, L., & Reid, M. (2020). The impact of conflicts of interest in global health regulation. World Health Organization Journal, 74(1), 16-23.
  15. Ibrahim, F., & Olusola, O. (2022). Conflict severity in regulatory bodies: Implications for pharmacy regulation in Nigeria. African Journal of Health Regulation, 20(3), 38-45.
  16. Khan, M., Rahman-Shepherd, A., Bory, S., Chhorn, S., Durrance-Bagale, A., Hasan, R., Heng, S., Phou, S., Prien, C., Probandari, A., Saphonn, V., Suy, S., Wiseman, V., Wulandari, L. P. L., & Hanefeld, J. (2022). How conflicts of interest hinder effective regulation of healthcare: An analysis of antimicrobial use regulation in Cambodia, Indonesia, and Pakistan. BMJ Global Health, 7(5), e008596. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjgh-2022-008596
  17. Lloyd, S., Johnson, R., & Adams, P. (2022). Conflicts of interest and regulatory failure in healthcare systems. International Journal of Health Policy, 10(4), 113-128.
  18. Martin, D., Roberts, P., & Johnson, A. (2021). The challenges to effective regulation in healthcare: A study on conflicts of interest. Healthcare Governance Review, 28(3), 68-76.
  19. Mashaqhbeh, H., Alzoubi, K. H., Khabour, O. F., & Abu-Farha, R. (2022). Awareness and perception of pharmacy researchers about conflict of interest: A study from the MENA region. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science, 12(8), 815-822. https://doi.org/10.7324/JAPS.2022.120815
  20. Olusegun, A., & Ayotunde, M. (2020). Personal stakes and conflicts of interest in regulatory decision-making. Journal of Health Administration, 18(4), 91-97.
  21. Oluwaseun, B., Durojaiye, O., & Bello, I. (2023). Governance challenges in African regulatory bodies: Case studies from healthcare sectors. African Journal of Public Health, 57(3), 221-230.
  22. Turner, P., & Jacobs, F. (2022). Conflicts of interest and their effects on public trust in regulatory bodies. Nigerian Health Journal, 15(1), 54-61.
  23. Tunde, A., & Onwuegbuzie, S. (2021). Understanding the impact of conflict severity on regulatory practices. Journal of Governance Studies, 24(2), 76-83.
  24. Wale, T., & Adedeji, S. (2021). The impact of conflicts of interest on decision-making in regulatory bodies. Journal of Regulatory Affairs, 22(3), 85-93.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Similar Articles

1-10 of 31

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.

Most read articles by the same author(s)

<< < 1 2 3 4 5 6 > >>