The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has sealed a total of 443 pharmaceutical premises across nine local government areas in Taraba State, following a statewide enforcement operation aimed at curbing unlicensed drug sales and improper pharmaceutical practices.
The PCN’s Head of Enforcement, Dr. Suleiman Chiroma, disclosed the development at a press briefing in Jalingo on Friday. He stated that the council inspected 656 premises—including 83 pharmacies and 573 patent medicine stores—across Sardauna, Gashaka, Kurmi, Bali, Ardo Kola, Jalingo, Zing, Lau, and Yorro LGAs.
Of the total visited, 48 pharmacies and 395 patent medicine shops were sealed for various regulatory infractions, while 10 others received compliance directives.
“The exercise targeted unqualified individuals operating outside the scope of the law and aimed to ensure that medicines are dispensed in properly regulated environments,” Dr. Chiroma said.
He explained that offences ranged from operating without registration, unauthorized handling of controlled drugs, and overstocking, to illegal clinical practices and retailing from wholesale-only premises.
Dr. Chiroma emphasized that proper pharmaceutical care is critical to public health and safety, urging residents to only patronize licensed outlets. He encouraged the public to verify pharmacies by checking for clearly displayed PCN licences and to report suspicious activities to the council’s office in Jalingo.
He reiterated that the council’s efforts are in line with the National Drug Distribution Guidelines, which outline the legal framework for drug manufacturing, importation, and end-user distribution in Nigeria.
“This operation aligns with our national mandate to eliminate substandard and falsified medicines, safeguard the health of citizens, and uphold the integrity of pharmacy practice in Nigeria,” Chiroma added.
The PCN affirmed its commitment to sustaining regular enforcement actions across all states to protect consumers and sanitize the healthcare sector.
