The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria has sealed no fewer than 598 premises across Kaduna State following a statewide enforcement operation aimed at curbing illegal drug activities and unsafe pharmaceutical practices.
The four-day exercise, which spanned 10 local government areas including Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Zaria, Igabi, and Chikun also resulted in the arrest of two vendors for serious breaches of regulatory laws.
Addressing journalists in Kaduna, the Head of Enforcement, Dr Suleiman Chiroma, said the operation was part of the council’s statutory mandate to regulate pharmacy practice and ensure compliance throughout the drug distribution chain.
According to Chiroma, a total of 828 premises were inspected during the exercise, comprising 123 pharmacies, 631 patent medicine stores, and 74 unlicensed outlets.
Of these, 598 facilities were sealed, including 68 pharmacies, 456 patent medicine stores, and all 74 unlicensed outlets identified during the inspection.
He explained that the affected premises were found culpable of various violations, such as operating without valid licences, running unregistered facilities, engaging in unauthorised clinical practices, and stocking prescription-only medicines in patent medicine stores.
Chiroma further disclosed that some operators were dispensing controlled drugs beyond their approved scope, describing the practice as a significant threat to public health.
“Such practices exceed their authorised scope and pose significant risks to public safety,” he stated.
Despite the widespread enforcement action, the council noted improvements in compliance levels. Approximately 28 per cent of the inspected premises met regulatory standards, while about nine per cent were identified as operating illegally.
Additionally, four compliance directives were issued to operators with minor infractions.
Reaffirming the council’s commitment to sanitising the drug distribution system, Chiroma stressed that only duly licensed premises operated by qualified personnel would be permitted to function.
He also cautioned the public against patronising unlicensed drug vendors, warning that improper use of medicines could result in severe health complications or death.
“Drugs are poisons if not properly used. The difference between a drug and a poison is how it is used,” he said.
The council added that similar enforcement operations would be extended to other parts of the country as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen regulation and safeguard public health.
