The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has sealed a total of 471 pharmaceutical premises across Edo state during a week long enforcement exercise over pharmaceutical regulatory breaches.
Speaking at a press briefing at the PCN state office in Benin City on Friday, September 26, Suleiman Chiroma, head of enforcement, stated that the exercise covered Oredo, Ikpoba Okha, Ovia North East, Egor, and Uhunmwonde Local Government Areas (LGAs).
He said that the operation, aimed at curbing illegal and substandard practices within the pharmaceutical sector, is part of PCN’s ongoing efforts to regulate medicine distribution and safeguard public health.
A total of 743 premises were inspected, including 196 pharmacies and 547 patent medicine stores.
Of these, 471 establishments were sealed for violations such as operating without valid licenses, failure to renew registration, conducting unauthorised clinical activities, and mishandling controlled substances.
The sealed premises included 77 pharmacies, 174 patent medicine stores, and 220 unlicensed shops.
Chiroma noted that four additional premises received compliance directives requiring them to address specific infractions identified during inspections, while one individual was arrested for obstructing PCN officers during the operation.
He emphasized that the enforcement exercise was conducted under the Council’s statutory mandate pursuant to the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria Establishment Act No. 31 of 2022, which empowers the PCN to regulate and oversee pharmacy education, training, and practice in all its forms across Nigeria.
Chiroma added, “This targeted approach underscores the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of pharmaceutical practice and protecting public health.
“Given the potential hazards associated with medicinal products, stringent regulation is essential.
“To ensure public safety, it is imperative that personnel handling medicines receives comprehensive training to handle medicines safely and effectively.”
Chiroma said premises were to undergo rigorous inspection, approval, and licensing, followed by continuous monitoring to ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations.
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