Medicine policy is a critical determinant of healthcare delivery. In Nigeria, the development and implementation of such policy is complex, shaped by regional dynamics and historical frameworks. A systematic examination of the methodological approaches used to analyse these policies is needed to understand their efficacy. This methodology article provides a critical review and proposes a framework for analysing medicine policy in Nigeria, informed by methodological perspectives from East Africa. Its objective is to outline and critique predominant methodological paradigms in this field and to propose a more robust, context-sensitive analytical framework. The study employs a critical methodological review design. It involves the systematic identification and analysis of methodological approaches from published and grey literature on Nigerian medicine policy. The review synthesises and critiques these approaches against established policy analysis criteria, drawing on methodological insights relevant to the East African context. The review identified a predominant reliance on descriptive, document-based analysis. There was a notable scarcity of methodologies that critically engage with implementation realities or stakeholder power dynamics. A key finding was a frequent methodological disconnect between policy intent and ground-level practice, with few studies employing methodologies capable of bridging this gap. Current methodological approaches to analysing medicine policy in Nigeria are often inadequate for capturing the complex, multi-layered realities of policy processes. There is a clear need for more sophisticated, context-adapted methodological frameworks. Future research should adopt mixed-methods and participatory action research designs to better analyse policy processes and outcomes. Methodologies must explicitly incorporate the analysis of power structures and implementation contexts. Capacity building in critical policy analysis methodology is recommended for researchers and policymakers. Methodology, policy analysis, medicine policy, Nigeria, critical review, health systems research This article contributes a critical methodological framework designed to enhance the rigour and contextual relevance of future medicine policy analysis in Nigeria and similar settings.
Adeyemi et al. (Thu,) studied this question.