The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria sealed 618 drug outlets across Rivers and Bayelsa States after uncovering widespread violations of pharmacy laws. The enforcement team acted swiftly during a week-long operation that targeted illegal drug distribution and unethical practices.
The team inspected 867 premises, including 344 pharmacies and 523 patent medicine stores. From this inspection, they closed 178 pharmacies, 123 medicine shops, and 317 illegal outlets. They also issued compliance directives to nine locations requiring corrective actions.
Dr. Suleiman Chiroma, the Head of Enforcement, led the operation. He revealed that several operators failed to complete the registration process despite making partial payments. Others offered clinical services without required authorization or stocked medicines beyond approved lists.
In Rivers State, enforcement officers caught non-pharmacist staff handling restricted medicines in poison cupboards. This dangerous practice could lead to drug abuse or illegal sales. The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria considers this behavior unethical and a serious security threat.
The council, established under Act No. 31 of 2022, holds the mandate to regulate and control pharmacy training and practice in Nigeria. It also enforces the National Drug Distribution Guidelines, which promote safe and orderly access to medications across the country.
The team found some premises retailing drugs from wholesale-only outlets. Others trained apprentices without approval or operated shops without renewing their licences. These activities violate the law and undermine patient safety.
Enforcers arrested five individuals who attempted to break PCN seals placed during the operation. Authorities transferred these suspects to law enforcement for further action. Dr. Chiroma noted that such resistance will not deter future operations. He urged all drug vendors to comply with ethical and legal standards.
The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria reminded the public to buy medicines only from licensed outlets. Authentic pharmacies must display valid licences clearly inside their shops. Residents should report suspicious or unlicensed stores to the nearest PCN office.
Rivers State recorded 536 closures, while Bayelsa accounted for 82. These figures show the scale of non-compliance in both states and the PCN’s determination to clean up the pharmaceutical sector.
Dr. Chiroma emphasized that sealing premises is not about punishment. Rather, the aim is to protect the public from untrained drug handlers and substandard products. He added that the PCN would continue its monitoring and enforcement operations.
Licensing, he said, is only the first step. Maintaining ethical conduct and meeting operational standards remains essential for every drug outlet. The council expects all pharmacies and medicine vendors to meet the professional requirements outlined in its regulations.
This action by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria reinforces its commitment to ensuring safe, ethical, and well-regulated access to medicines in Nigeria. The council plans to carry out similar enforcement operations in other states to sustain this nationwide standard.
