The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has sealed 536 illegal drug outlets and arrested five individuals for violating regulatory seals in Rivers State, as part of a sweeping enforcement exercise aimed at sanitising the pharmaceutical sector.
The week-long crackdown, which also covered Bayelsa State, saw a total of 618 premises shut down across both states. These include 178 pharmacies, 123 patent medicine shops, and 317 illegal drug shops. Additionally, nine premises were issued compliance directives for regulatory violations.
Speaking at a press briefing in Port Harcourt over the weekend, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the PCN, represented by Dr. Suleiman Chiroma, said the enforcement operation was designed to ensure adherence to the minimum standards outlined in the PCN Establishment Act 2022 and its supporting regulations.
“The pharmaceutical landscape in Nigeria has been plagued by chaotic drug distribution, unlicensed premises, and the handling of medicines by unauthorised persons. This enforcement effort is part of PCN’s commitment to rid the nation of substandard and falsified medicines,” Dr. Chiroma stated.
He noted that of the 867 pharmaceutical premises visited in Rivers and Bayelsa States—comprising 344 pharmacies and 523 patent medicine stores—618 were shut down for various infractions. The breakdown includes 536 closures in Rivers and 82 in Bayelsa.
Dr. Chiroma highlighted that major infractions uncovered during the exercise included operation of illegal premises, non-renewal of licenses, clinical practices without proper authorisation, unauthorised access to controlled medicines, and overstocking beyond the Approved Patent Medicine List.
Particularly concerning, he said, was the discovery of unfettered access to controlled substances stored in poison cupboards by non-pharmacist staff in several pharmacies within Rivers State.
“This unethical and dangerous practice allows medicines to fall into the wrong hands, posing a major public health and security threat,” he warned.
The enforcement exercise covered several Local Government Areas in Rivers State, including Port Harcourt, Obio-Akpor, Ikwerre, and Etche. In Bayelsa, operations were carried out in Yenagoa and Southern Ijaw.
Dr. Chiroma urged the public to remain vigilant when purchasing medicines and to report any suspicious pharmaceutical activities to the PCN offices in their respective states. He added that genuine pharmaceutical premises can be identified by their clearly displayed licences.
The PCN reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that only trained professionals operate within Nigeria’s drug distribution system, with the goal of protecting public health and enhancing trust in the healthcare delivery system.
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