PCN shuts 486 pharmacy outlets in Niger

The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has sealed 486 pharmaceutical premises in Niger State over regulatory violations.

Dr. Suleiman Ciroma, Head of Enforcement at PCN headquarters, disclosed this on Friday in Minna while briefing journalists after the council’s inspection exercise across the state.

According to him, the affected premises include 69 pharmacies, 127 patent medicine shops, and 290 unlicensed outlets.

He added that one person was arrested for obstructing inspectors and will face prosecution.

The enforcement team inspected a total of 672 premises—comprising 136 pharmacies and 536 patent medicine shops—across nine local government areas: Agaie, Bida, Tafa, Chanchaga, Lapai, Paikoro, Bosso, Suleja, and Gurara.

Ciroma explained that the exercise focused on compliance with professional ethics, premises standards, and pharmaceutical practice.

Violations uncovered included illegal operations by unlicensed outlets, unauthorised clinical practices, sale of controlled drugs, non-compliance with regulations, and unapproved training of apprentices.

He urged Nigerians to patronise only licensed pharmacies and medicine shops, which can be identified by the display of valid licences.

Ciroma commended residents of Niger for their cooperation during the exercise, adding that the PCN’s nationwide enforcement drive is aimed at curbing the circulation of substandard and falsified medicines.