The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has sealed 498 drug premises in Lagos State for violating pharmaceutical regulations during its week-long enforcement exercise across local government areas.
The PCN said the affected premises included 215 pharmacies, 83 patent medicine stores, and 200 illegal medicine shops found to be operating without proper authorisation or in violation of the council’s guidelines.
The Head of Enforcement of the Pharmacy Council, Dr. Suleiman Chiroma, disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing at the PCN Zonal Office in Yaba, Lagos.
According to him, the exercise covered Agege, Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Alimosho, Amuwo-Odofin, Apapa, Badagry, Epe, Eti-Osa, Ibeju-Lekki, Ifako-Ijaiye, Ikeja, Ikorodu, Kosofe, Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland, Mushin, Ojo, Oshodi-Isolo, Shomolu, and Surulere.
Chiroma said a total of 845 premises were inspected, comprising 483 pharmacies, 162 patent medicine stores, and 200 illegal medicine shops.
He explained that 29 other premises were served compliance directives for various regulatory breaches.
He said the offences ranged from operation of unlicensed premises, failure to renew registration, unauthorised clinical practice, and access to controlled substances, to wholesalers engaging in retail operations, which contravened their licence terms.
“The enforcement exercise is strategically focused on critical aspects of pharmaceutical practice, premises, and personnel, with the objective of ensuring adherence to the minimum standards for quality assurance as stipulated in the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria Establishment Act 2022 and relevant regulations and guidelines,” he said.
Chiroma described as unacceptable the growing trend of non-pharmacist staff handling controlled medicines in some Lagos pharmacies without proper supervision, warning that such acts pose serious security risks.
He said, “unregulated access to controlled medicines by non-pharmacist staff in pharmacies, where poisons are not stored securely under lock and key as required by regulations. This lapse allows controlled medicines to potentially fall into the wrong hands, posing a significant security risk to the public.”
The PCN urged residents to buy drugs only from licensed and qualified pharmacies and patent medicine vendors displaying valid licences within their premises.
Chiroma added that by patronising legitimate outlets, the public could help curb the spread of substandard or falsified medicines and support a safer healthcare system.
“Legitimate pharmacies and Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendors (PPMVs) display their current licenses prominently within their premises. By being vigilant and taking these straightforward measures, we can substantially mitigate the risks associated with substandard or falsified medicines, thereby contributing to a safer and more reliable healthcare system,” he added.
He appreciated the people of Lagos for their cooperation during the enforcement exercise and assured that the PCN would continue to maintain high standards of pharmacy practice in the country.
