Industrial pharmacists move to cut 70% drug imports, say prices ‘ll drop soon
The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has sealed 67 drug outlets across Lagos State for operating without approval, poor handling of medicines, and failure to meet minimum standards.
The clampdown followed a two-day enforcement exercise conducted by the PCN, Lagos Zonal Office, between Monday and Tuesday, in Mushin, Oshodi, Bariga, Shomolu, Gbagada, Ifako, Okokomaiko, and Satellite Town.
The Zonal Director of the Council, Dr Taiwo Filusi, disclosed this during a media briefing, yesterday, in Lagos. According to Filusi, 89 pharmaceutical premises were visited during the operation. Out of these, 48 illegal medicine shops, 17 pharmacies, and two patent medicine stores were sealed. Eleven other outlets were issued compliance directives for minor offences.
He said that some shops were selling drugs beyond their approved category, exposing the public to unsafe medicines, and others were caught engaging in the wholesale of products while operating as retail outlets.
Also speaking, Chairman, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Babayemi Oyekunle, said the recent closure of illegal drug outlets and the decisive action taken against individuals infringing upon pharmacy laws are not merely administrative exercises, saying: “They are a resounding declaration of unwavering commitment to the well-being of every citizen in the state and indeed Nigeria.”
MEANWHILE, the Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria has said that efforts are underway to cut down Nigeria’s drug importation rate, which currently stands at 70 per cent.
The association made this known yesterday during a media briefing in Lagos ahead of its 28th yearly national conference scheduled to hold from June 23-27, 2025, at The Citadel, Ikeja, Lagos.
The conference, themed: “Scale, Innovation and Transformation of the Nigerian Pharmaceutical Industry (SIT 2025),” is expected to bring together major stakeholders in the sector.
National Chairman of NAIP, Kenneth Onuegbu, said the opening ceremony would be chaired by the Managing Director of Juhel Nigeria Ltd., Dr Ifeanyi Okoye; while Dr Margaret Ilomuanya of the University of Lagos would deliver the keynote address. President of the PSN, Tanko Ayuba, will serve as the chief host.
