By Awwal Umar Kontagora The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has sealed 486 pharmaceutical premises in Niger State for various ...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has sealed 486 pharmaceutical premises in Niger State for various regulatory violations. The enforcement action affected 69 pharmacies, 127 patent medicine stores, and 290 unlicensed outlets.
Dr. Suleiman S. Ciroma, Head of Enforcement at the PCN headquarters, made this known during a press briefing held at the Council’s North Central Zonal Office in Minna. He said the enforcement followed an intensive inspection exercise across nine local government areas in the state.
He disclosed that one individual was arrested for obstructing PCN officials in the course of their duties and will be prosecuted accordingly. The inspection, he said, focused on evaluating the suitability of premises, qualification of personnel, standards of pharmaceutical practice, and compliance with professional ethics to ensure the delivery of safe and quality pharmaceutical services.
According to him, a total of 672 premises were inspected, including 136 pharmacies and 536 patent medicine stores in Agaie, Bida, Tafa, Chanchaga, Lapai, Paikoro, Bosso, Suleja, and Gurara local government areas.
Dr. Ciroma emphasized that the enforcement exercise is being carried out simultaneously across the country to ensure that Nigerians have access to quality-assured medicines in line with regulatory standards. He explained that the inspection uncovered numerous violations, such as the operation of unlicensed premises, non-compliance with existing regulations, unauthorized clinical practices, illegal sale of controlled drugs, and improper training of apprentices.
He stated that legitimate pharmacies and patent medicine vendors can be identified by the prominent display of current PCN licenses within their premises. He urged members of the public to always verify this as a mark of authenticity and professionalism.
Dr. Ciroma commended the cooperation of Niger State residents during the exercise, stressing that the ongoing clampdown on unauthorized pharmaceutical operators and unqualified practitioners is a step toward reducing the circulation of substandard and falsified medical products in the state and across Nigeria.
He reiterated the Council’s commitment to maintaining regulatory oversight to protect public health and ensure that pharmaceutical services meet acceptable national standards.
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