Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria has shut down 598 pharmaceutical premises across Kaduna State following a wide-ranging enforcement operation aimed at addressing regulatory breaches within the drug distribution system. The exercise, which also led to the arrest of two vendors, was carried out over four days across multiple local government areas in the state.
Officials of the council said the enforcement action was part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal pharmaceutical practices and ensure that only licensed and qualified operators are allowed to handle and dispense medicines to the public. The Head of Enforcement for the operation, Suleiman Chiroma, disclosed the figures while briefing journalists at the council’s zonal office in Kaduna on Friday.
According to him, a total of 828 premises were inspected during the exercise. These comprised 123 pharmacies, 631 patent medicine stores, and 74 unlicensed outlets spread across 10 local government areas in Kaduna State. The inspection covered both urban and semi-urban communities, where concerns about unregulated drug sales have remained persistent.
Chiroma explained that out of the number inspected, 68 pharmacies, 456 patent medicine stores, and all 74 unlicensed facilities were sealed for various violations. He said the infractions identified ranged from operating without valid licences to improper handling and dispensing of medicines that require professional oversight.
He further noted that four compliance directives were issued to operators who were found to have minor infractions that could be corrected within a stipulated timeframe. However, two vendors were arrested for what he described as gross violations of the provisions of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria Act, which governs the regulation of pharmaceutical practice in the country.
One of the key concerns raised during the exercise was the discovery that some patent medicine vendors were stocking and dispensing prescription-only and controlled medicines, an activity that is strictly outside their authorised scope of practice. Chiroma warned that such actions pose significant risks to public health and undermine the integrity of the healthcare system.
He emphasised that medicines, while essential for treating illnesses, can become dangerous when misused or administered without proper professional guidance. According to him, improper drug handling could lead to adverse reactions, treatment failures, and in severe cases, loss of life. He reiterated that pharmaceutical regulation is designed to protect the public from such dangers.
The enforcement chief also disclosed that the council observed varying levels of compliance among operators. He said only about nine per cent of the premises visited were found to be operating completely outside regulatory requirements, while a significant proportion showed partial or full compliance with existing standards. He added that 28 per cent of the total premises inspected met full compliance requirements.
Chiroma listed several offences that led to the sealing of premises, including failure to present valid operational licences, running unregistered facilities, engaging in unauthorised clinical activities, stocking ethical medicines in patent medicine shops, and obstructing inspectors during regulatory visits. He stressed that such practices are unacceptable and attract sanctions under the law.
He reaffirmed the council’s commitment to sanitising the drug distribution system in Nigeria, noting that enforcement exercises would continue across states to ensure compliance. He stated that only qualified personnel operating from licensed premises would be permitted to handle and dispense medicines to the public.
Beyond enforcement, Chiroma also drew attention to the broader issue of drug misuse and abuse, which he described as a growing public health concern. He cautioned Nigerians against patronising unlicensed medicine vendors, warning that doing so increases the risk of consuming counterfeit or improperly stored drugs.
He further advised members of the public to always insist on obtaining medicines from licensed pharmacies where qualified pharmacists are available to provide professional guidance. He encouraged citizens to verify the authenticity of pharmacy licences, which are typically displayed in visible areas within registered premises.
Chiroma also urged patients to seek proper prescriptions before using medications and to avoid self-medication, which remains a major challenge in many parts of the country. He said adherence to medical advice and professional supervision is essential for safe and effective treatment outcomes.
The enforcement exercise in Kaduna reflects broader national concerns over the proliferation of illegal drug outlets and the challenges faced by regulatory bodies in ensuring compliance within the pharmaceutical sector. Authorities have repeatedly warned that unregulated access to medicines contributes to drug resistance, treatment complications, and increased health risks among the population.
As the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria continues its enforcement drive, officials say similar operations are expected to be intensified in other states to strengthen compliance and improve the safety of pharmaceutical services nationwide. The council maintains that protecting public health remains its primary mandate, and it will not relent in its efforts to ensure that the distribution and sale of medicines are properly regulated.
The Kaduna operation adds to a series of nationwide crackdowns aimed at strengthening oversight in the pharmaceutical sector and reducing the presence of illegal operators who continue to undermine public health standards. Authorities say sustained enforcement, combined with public awareness, will be key to achieving long-term compliance.
The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria is the statutory regulatory body responsible for controlling the practice of pharmacy and ensuring that medicines are handled only by trained professionals. Its enforcement activities are designed to close gaps that allow unqualified individuals to operate in the pharmaceutical space, particularly in underserved communities where access to formal healthcare services is limited.
In many parts of Nigeria, patent medicine vendors serve as the first point of contact for healthcare needs, especially in rural and peri-urban areas. However, the boundary between permitted over-the-counter sales and restricted prescription medicines is often blurred, creating risks that regulators continue to address through periodic inspections and sanctions.
Authorities in Kaduna State have in recent years increased collaboration with federal agencies to improve compliance in the health sector, particularly in drug distribution. The latest enforcement action is expected to reinforce these efforts and send a strong message to operators who violate established pharmaceutical laws.
Officials say monitoring will continue.
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