CurrentReport Blog In a major enforcement action aimed at safeguarding public health, the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has shut down 666 unregistered medicine shops in Kaduna State for violating the National Drug Distribution Guidelines. The operation, which began earlier this week, targeted open drug markets and other locations selling medicines without proper registration and oversight.
Pharm. Stephen Esumobi, the PCN Director of Enforcement, briefed the media in Kaduna on Thursday, explaining that the crackdown was essential to ensure the safe distribution of medicines and prevent the sale of harmful substances. “This initiative aims to protect public health and ensure medicines are sold in properly regulated environments,” Esumobi stated.
During the enforcement exercise, a total of 895 premises were visited, including 75 pharmacies, 514 patent medicine shops, and 306 illegal medicine shops. Of these, 666 premises were sealed for non-compliance, comprising 47 pharmacies, 313 patent medicine shops, and 306 illegal shops.
Esumobi emphasized that unregistered medicine shops, particularly those operating in open drug markets, posed serious risks to public health due to poor storage conditions, which can degrade medicines and make them unsafe for consumption. “The medicines sold in these unregulated locations may no longer be fit for human use due to the degradation of active ingredients,” he warned.
The PCN also issued nine compliance directives to businesses operating unlawfully, urging them to align with the National Drug Distribution Guidelines. Esumobi reaffirmed the council’s commitment to ongoing enforcement and warned that the sale of medicines in unregistered locations would not be tolerated.
He further encouraged non-compliant medicine dealers to work with the PCN to meet regulatory standards, noting that the council is ready to assist those who wish to operate within the law. The enforcement drive is expected to continue as part of broader efforts to ensure public safety in the distribution and sale of medicines across the state.
