Israel Oluyemi
The Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria enforcement head, Dr Suleiman Chiroma, has disclosed that 130 pharmaceutical premises in Nasarawa State faced closure following a statewide regulatory crackdown.
The council carried out the operation after inspectors uncovered widespread breaches of pharmacy laws across multiple facilities in the state.
Officials said the action formed part of efforts to enforce the National Drug Distribution Guidelines aimed at improving drug safety and regulating pharmaceutical practice nationwide.
Chiroma explained that the guidelines ensure safe movement of medicines and proper handling by qualified personnel in approved facilities.
He added, “The NDDG guarantees drugs reach end users safely while regulating pharmaceutical operators, ensuring optimal storage, qualified personnel, and adherence to laws.”
PCN inspectors carried out the exercise between March 30 and April 1 across Nasarawa State and later briefed the public in Karu Local Government Area on Thursday.
Authorities reported that Karu accounted for the highest concentration of affected facilities during the enforcement operation.
The inspection covered 272 pharmaceutical premises, including wholesalers, community pharmacies, patent medicine vendors, and unlicensed operators.
Chiroma stated, “During the three-day operation, PCN officials inspected 272 premises: 35 wholesalers, 86 community pharmacies, 118 patent medicine stores, and 32 unlicensed facilities, identifying extensive non-compliance across multiple categories of pharmaceutical practice.”
Investigators found repeated violations such as operating without valid licences, absence of pharmacists, unauthorized clinical activities, and improper access to restricted drug storage areas.
The council also reported that 70 per cent of community pharmacies operated without pharmacists, while 61 per cent failed to display required licences.
Following the findings, PCN shut down 130 premises, covering pharmacies, wholesalers, patent medicine shops, and all unlicensed outlets.
Officials further issued seven compliance directives and arrested one pharmacist for obstructing enforcement officers during the operation.
PCN said the enforcement drive continues as part of efforts to strengthen pharmaceutical regulation and protect public health across Nigeria.