Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has closed 486 pharmaceutical premises in Niger State due to various regulatory violations.
Head of Enforcement at PCN Headquarters, Dr. Suleiman Ciroma, announced this during a press briefing in Minna at the North Central Zonal Office, following an inspection exercise in the state.
“The sealed premises included 69 pharmacies, 127 patent medicine shops, and 290 unlicensed outlets,” Ciroma stated.
He further disclosed that one individual was arrested for allegedly obstructing PCN inspectors and faces prosecution.
The inspection covered 672 premises, including 136 pharmacies and 536 patent medicine shops, across nine Local Government Areas: Agaie, Bida, Tafa, Chanchaga, Lapai, Paikoro, Bosso, Suleja, and Gurara.
The exercise aimed to ensure compliance with professional ethics, personnel standards, premises conditions, and pharmaceutical practices to guarantee safe and quality service delivery.
Ciroma highlighted that the inspections uncovered issues such as illegal operations of unlicensed outlets, unauthorized clinical practices, non-compliance with regulations, sale of controlled drugs, and unapproved training of apprentices.
“We urge the public to patronize only licensed premises, identifiable by their display of current licenses,” he advised.
Commending the cooperation of Niger State residents, Ciroma emphasized that the PCN’s nationwide enforcement efforts are crucial for curbing the circulation of substandard and falsified medicines.
