The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria has sealed a total of 821 pharmaceutical outlets in Kano State for failing to comply with regulatory standards guiding drug distribution and practice in the country.
The enforcement exercise affected 68 registered pharmacies, 587 patent medicine stores, and 166 illegal medicine outlets.
Speaking at a press briefing in Kano, the Head of Enforcement at the council, Dr. Sulaiman Chiroma, said the operation was conducted across eight local government areas, including Kano Municipal, Gwale, Kumbotso, Nassarawa, Tarauni, Ungoggo, Dala, and Fagge.
According to him, the action was part of the council’s mandate to enforce the National Drug Distribution Guidelines and ensure that medicines are handled only through approved channels.
“The council is empowered by law to regulate the pharmaceutical sector and ensure that medicines move strictly from manufacturers or importers to the end users through authorised channels,” Chiroma stated.
He explained that many of the affected premises were shut down due to offences such as operating without valid licences, failure to register with the council, and engaging in unauthorised clinical activities.
Chiroma disclosed that during the four-day exercise, inspectors visited 1,140 premises, comprising 114 pharmacies, 869 patent medicine stores, and 166 illegal outlets.
“Our enforcement operations are aimed at removing unqualified operators from the drug distribution chain and improving standards in storage and handling of medicines,” he said.
The enforcement team also issued 10 compliance directives, while one operator was arrested for obstructing officials and violating provisions of the PCN Act.
Chiroma expressed concern over the high number of illegal medicine outlets operating within major commercial hubs such as Kasuwan Kurmi and Kwangiri, noting that 46 of such premises were permanently shut down.
“It is worrisome to see the concentration of unauthorised outlets in these areas, but we have taken decisive regulatory action to address the situation,” he added.
He further revealed that the exercise showed some progress, with only 15 per cent of the inspected premises found to be operating outside regulatory guidelines.
“In terms of compliance, about 28 per cent of the premises met all regulatory requirements and were operating in line with established standards,” he said.
Chiroma reaffirmed the council’s commitment to strengthening oversight in the pharmaceutical sector, noting that such efforts are crucial to achieving safe drug distribution and improving healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
“The PCN remains dedicated to advancing reforms that will support universal health coverage and ensure Nigerians have access to safe and quality medicines,” he said.
