PCN Seals 383 Pharmacies in Ogun for Regulatory Violations

The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria has sealed 383 pharmaceutical premises across Ogun State due to violations of regulatory standards, as announced by Suleiman Chiroma, Head of the Council’s Enforcement Department, during a press conference in Abeokuta on Friday. This action followed a four-day enforcement exercise that inspected 738 pharmaceutical premises across 11 local government areas, including Abeokuta South and Ifo.

The sealed premises included 123 pharmacies, 87 Patent Medicine Stores, and all 173 identified illegal outlets. Major violations included operating without a valid license, poor storage conditions, and unauthorized access to controlled medicines.

Chiroma warned that these infractions pose significant risks to public health and national security, potentially leading to treatment failures and increased healthcare costs. The enforcement was conducted under the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2022, which empowers the Council to regulate pharmacy practices nationwide.

Notably, 23% of inspected premises were operating illegally, with illegal outlets accounting for 45% of those sealed.