The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has sealed 598 premises and arrested two vendors in Kaduna during a major enforcement drive against widespread drug regulation violations and unsafe pharmaceutical practices.
Dr. Suleiman Chiroma, the PCN National Head of Enforcement, disclosed this while addressing newsmen on Friday in Kaduna.
Chiroma said the operation, which began on Monday, covered Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Zaria, Makarfi, Kudan, Igabi, Chikun, Sabon Gari, Giwa, and Ikara Local Government Areas.
He said 828 premises were visited during the four-day exercise, including pharmacies, patent medicine stores, and unlicensed outlets.
Chiroma explained that the 598 sealed premises comprised pharmacies, patent medicine stores, and other unlicensed facilities.
He also said that two vendors were arrested for gross violations of the PCN Act.
However, he noted that only nine per cent of inspected premises were operating unlawfully, indicating improved regulatory compliance.
He added that 28 per cent of the premises were fully compliant, while 45 per cent of pharmacies and 28 per cent of patent medicine shops met required standards.
“The premises sealed were for offenses including lack of valid licenses, unauthorized clinical practices, improper stocking of medicines, illegal operations, restricted drug access breaches, and obstruction of inspectors,” Chiroma said.
He further explained that the operation targeted unsafe medicine handling and illegal practices threatening drug quality, potency, and therapeutic effectiveness across the supply chain.
He added that the exercise forms part of efforts to eliminate substandard and falsified medicines while safeguarding public health and safety.
He explained that the council, established by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria Act No. 31 of 2022, regulates pharmacy education, training, and practice, including that of technicians and patent medicine vendors.
Chiroma said the council is mandated to enforce the National Drug Distribution Guidelines to ensure medicines move only through approved channels—from production or importation to end users.
He added that the framework guarantees proper storage and handling, safeguarding the quality, potency, and therapeutic efficacy of medicines throughout the supply chain.
He noted that enforcement efforts are reducing the number of unqualified handlers and poor storage conditions, strengthening the fight against fake and substandard medicines.
According to him, the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s universal health coverage agenda under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He also said the reforms are driven by the Minister of Health, Muhammad Pate, with support from PCN Registrar, Ibrahim Babashehu Ahmed.
Chiroma said access to safe and quality medicines remains central to healthcare delivery.
However, he lamented that inspectors uncovered substantial non-compliance, including vendors dispensing prescription-only and controlled medicines beyond their authorized scope.
He warned that such practices pose serious risks to public health and safety if not addressed.
He assured that the council will sustain strict oversight to ensure only qualified personnel handle medicines and that safe, effective drugs reach the public.
He called on residents to patronize only licensed premises displaying valid approvals and appreciated Kaduna residents for their cooperation during the exercise.
