The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has sealed 498 pharmaceutical premises across Lagos State for violating pharmacy practice laws and medicine handling regulations.
The affected premises include 215 pharmacies, 83 patent medicine stores, and 200 illegal medicine shops, according to the PCN Head of Enforcement, Dr. Suleiman Chiroma, who briefed journalists at the Council’s zonal office in Yaba, Lagos.
Chiroma said the action followed a week-long enforcement exercise across 20 local government areas, including Ikeja, Apapa, Ikorodu, Alimosho, Surulere, and Lagos Island.
He explained that the exercise was part of the Council’s effort to sanitise Nigeria’s drug distribution system and curb unlicensed and substandard outlets.
“During the enforcement, 845 premises were inspected—483 pharmacies, 162 patent medicine stores, and 200 illegal shops. Out of these, 498 were sealed for various infractions,” Chiroma said.
He listed common breaches to include operating without licenses, failure to renew registration, unauthorized clinical practice, improper storage of controlled drugs, and wholesalers engaging in retail sales—offences that violate the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2022.
The PCN also issued compliance directives to 29 premises, mandating corrective actions to meet required standards.Chiroma expressed concern over the unsafe handling of controlled substances by non-pharmacist staff, warning that such practices pose public safety risks and could lead to drug abuse or diversion.
He stressed that the PCN would intensify surveillance to ensure only qualified professionals handle medicines in licensed and regulated environments.
“Our goal is to protect public health by ensuring medicines in circulation meet required safety, quality, and efficacy standards,” he said.
The Council urged Nigerians to patronise only licensed pharmacies and patent medicine vendors (PPMVs) whose valid licenses are clearly displayed.
Chiroma thanked Lagos residents for their cooperation during the operation, noting that public support is key to maintaining a safe and regulated pharmaceutical system.