Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor | Journalist at Weng Global
The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has sealed no fewer than 383 pharmaceutical premises across Ogun State following an extensive enforcement exercise aimed at sanitising the state’s drug distribution system and protecting public health.
The operation, which targeted pharmacies and patent and proprietary medicine vendors (PPMVs), uncovered widespread violations of pharmaceutical regulations, including the operation of unregistered premises, failure to renew licences, illegal handling of medicines, and the absence of qualified pharmacists in facilities where professional oversight is required.
According to the council, the enforcement drive forms part of its statutory responsibility to regulate pharmaceutical practice in Nigeria and ensure that only qualified professionals and licensed premises engage in the storage, distribution and sale of medicines.
Crackdown on illegal medicine outlets
Officials of the PCN disclosed that the exercise covered several local government areas across Ogun State, where inspection teams assessed compliance with national pharmaceutical regulations.
At the end of the operation, the council sealed 383 premises, comprising community pharmacies, patent medicine stores and other facilities found to be operating outside the provisions of the law.
The affected premises were cited for multiple offences, including:
- Operating without valid registration.
- Failure to renew operational licences.
- Engaging in pharmaceutical practice without qualified personnel.
- Stocking medicines beyond approved categories.
- Poor storage conditions capable of compromising drug quality.
- Other regulatory breaches considered unsafe for public health.
The council noted that such violations expose Nigerians to substandard, falsified and improperly stored medicines, which can result in treatment failures, drug resistance and avoidable deaths.
Protecting public health
PCN emphasised that the enforcement exercise was not intended to punish legitimate businesses but to protect Nigerians from unsafe pharmaceutical practices.
The council said medicines are unique products that require proper storage, professional handling and appropriate dispensing by trained personnel.
It warned that when medicines are sold from unlicensed outlets or handled by unqualified individuals, patients face increased risks of receiving counterfeit drugs, expired medicines or inappropriate treatments.
According to the regulator, strengthening compliance within the pharmaceutical sector remains essential to improving healthcare delivery and restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s medicine supply chain.
Importance of licensing
The council reiterated that every pharmacy and patent medicine store must obtain valid registration before commencing operations and must renew licences in accordance with existing regulations.
It also stressed that community pharmacies must be supervised by registered pharmacists, while patent medicine vendors are restricted to selling only medicines approved under their licences.
PCN warned that any outlet found exceeding its approved scope of practice would face sanctions, including closure and possible prosecution where necessary.
The regulator urged operators to familiarise themselves with current professional standards and ensure continuous compliance to avoid enforcement actions.
Fight against counterfeit medicines
Nigeria has intensified efforts in recent years to combat the circulation of counterfeit and substandard medicines through coordinated actions involving the PCN, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), security agencies and state governments.
Health experts have repeatedly warned that illegal drug outlets create easy channels for fake medicines to enter the healthcare system, endangering millions of Nigerians.
Poor storage conditionsโparticularly exposure to excessive heat, humidity and sunlightโcan also reduce the effectiveness of genuine medicines, making proper regulation essential.
The latest operation in Ogun is part of broader nationwide efforts to eliminate illegal pharmaceutical businesses and strengthen regulatory compliance.
Appeal to residents
The Pharmacy Council advised residents to purchase medicines only from registered pharmacies and licensed patent medicine vendors.
Consumers were encouraged to verify that medicine outlets display valid licences and to seek professional medical advice before purchasing prescription drugs.
The council also appealed to members of the public to report suspicious medicine outlets operating in residential areas or markets without visible registration.
According to the regulator, public cooperation remains critical in the fight against fake medicines and illegal pharmaceutical practices.
Industry response
Healthcare stakeholders have largely welcomed the enforcement exercise, describing it as necessary for improving patient safety.
However, some industry observers stressed that enforcement should be accompanied by continuous education for operators to improve compliance and reduce repeated violations.
Experts also called for stronger collaboration among regulators, healthcare professionals and law enforcement agencies to sustain progress against illegal drug distribution.
Looking ahead
The PCN reaffirmed its commitment to conducting routine inspections across Nigeria to ensure pharmaceutical premises comply with professional standards.
It warned that enforcement exercises would continue nationwide and urged all pharmacy owners and medicine vendors to regularise their operations where necessary.
The council maintained that strict adherence to regulatory standards remains vital to safeguarding public health, ensuring medicine quality and strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system.
As Nigeria continues efforts to improve access to safe and effective medicines, regulators say eliminating illegal pharmaceutical practices will remain a top priority.
Sources: Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Federal Ministry of Health.
