PCN seals 471 premises for regulatory violations in Edo

The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has sealed 471 pharmaceutical premises in Edo State for various regulatory breaches uncovered during a week-long enforcement exercise.

The operation, carried out in Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha, Ovia North-East, Egor, and Uhunmwonde Local Government Areas, targeted illegal and substandard pharmaceutical practices as part of the Council’s drive to sanitise the medicine distribution system and safeguard public health.

At a press briefing in Benin City on Friday, PCN’s Head of Enforcement, Dr. Suleiman Chiroma, disclosed that 743 premises were inspected, including 196 pharmacies and 547 patent medicine stores.

Of these, 77 pharmacies, 174 patent medicine shops, and 220 unlicensed outlets were sealed for offences ranging from operating without valid licenses to conducting unauthorised clinical activities and mishandling controlled substances.

Chiroma added that four premises received compliance directives to correct specific infractions, while one individual was arrested for obstructing enforcement officers during the exercise.

He stressed that the action was in line with the PCN Establishment Act No. 31 of 2022, which empowers the Council to regulate pharmacy education, training, and practice across Nigeria.

“The Council remains committed to ensuring that only duly trained and licensed personnel handle medicines.

“This is critical to protecting public health and preventing the dangers associated with unsafe pharmaceutical practices,” he said.

The PCN noted that inspections, licensing, and continuous monitoring will remain central to its efforts to enforce compliance with professional and safety standards.