The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has sealed no fewer than 498 drug premises in Lagos State for operating illegally and violating professional regulations.
The Head of Enforcement of the Council, Dr. Suleiman Chiroma, disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing at the PCN Southwest Zonal Office in Yaba, Lagos.
Chiroma said the week-long enforcement exercise, which covered 20 local government areas, uncovered widespread irregularities in both registered and unregistered outlets, including pharmacies and patent medicine stores.
“Out of 845 premises inspected, 498 were sealed for various infractions ranging from unlicensed operations to the sale of controlled drugs by unqualified persons,” Chiroma revealed.
According to him, the affected premises included 215 pharmacies, 83 patent medicine stores, and 200 illegal medicine shops found to be operating without authorisation or in breach of the PCN’s professional standards.
He added that 29 others were served compliance directives for failing to meet regulatory requirements.
Chiroma expressed concern over what he described as “a disturbing trend” of non-pharmacist staff handling controlled medicines in several pharmacies across the state.
“We observed that some pharmacies allow unqualified staff access to controlled medicines. Many also fail to store poisons under lock and key as required by law. These lapses create a serious public security risk,” he said.
The PCN enforcement boss warned that such violations could lead to drug abuse, diversion of narcotics, and circulation of falsified medicines, endangering public health and safety.
Chiroma urged Lagos residents to buy medicines only from licensed pharmacies and patent medicine vendors (PPMVs) displaying valid licences issued by the PCN.
“Legitimate outlets display current licences within their premises. By being vigilant, the public can help stop the sale of fake and substandard medicines,” he noted.
He explained that the enforcement drive was in line with the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria Establishment Act, 2022, which empowers the council to ensure compliance with professional standards nationwide.
Chiroma commended Lagos residents for their cooperation and assured that the PCN would sustain periodic inspections to protect Nigerians from unsafe pharmaceutical practices.
“We are committed to maintaining high standards in the pharmaceutical sector and ensuring that only qualified professionals handle drugs meant for human use,” he added.
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