The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has sealed 486 medicine premises across Niger State for multiple breaches of regulatory standards. The affected outlets include 69 pharmacies, 127 patent medicine shops, and 290 unlicensed drug outlets, according to Dr. Suleiman Ciroma, the PCN Head of Enforcement.
The extensive enforcement operation covered 672 premises in nine local government areas: Agaie, Bida, Tafa, Chanchaga, Lapai, Paikoro, Bosso, Suleja, and Gurara. The inspections revealed widespread violations such as operation without valid licenses, employment of unqualified personnel, unauthorized sale of controlled medicines, illegal clinical practices, and unapproved training of apprentices.
The crackdown is part of PCN’s nationwide effort to sanitize the pharmaceutical sector and safeguard public health by curbing substandard and falsified medical products. Dr. Ciroma urged the public to patronize only licensed pharmacies and patent medicine vendors, identifiable by displayed valid licenses, as a means to protect themselves from quackery.
Notably, one individual was arrested for allegedly obstructing PCN inspectors during the enforcement exercise and is set to face prosecution.
The PCN commended the cooperation of Niger State residents in the exercise and pledged to continue sustained efforts to eliminate illegal pharmaceutical operations, ensuring safe and quality drug distribution throughout Nigeria.
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