The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has shut down 821 pharmaceutical outlets in Kano State following a crackdown on regulatory infractions. The four-day enforcement operation, covering eight local government areas, was announced during a press conference at the council’s state office on Thursday.
Dr. Suleiman S. Chiroma, the Head of Enforcement, who represented the Registrar/Chief Executive Officer, stated that the exercise targeted illegal medicine sellers and non-adherent pharmaceutical businesses that failed to meet approved standards. A total of 1,140 premises were inspected, including pharmacies, patent and proprietary medicine vendor (PPMV) stores, and unauthorized outlets.
Out of these, 821 were sealed: 68 pharmacies, 587 PPMV stores, and 166 illegal outlets. Additionally, 10 compliance directives were issued, and one individual was arrested for obstructing inspectors and violating the PCN Act.
Chiroma highlighted common violations such as the inability to present valid licenses, selling prescription-only drugs by unlicensed vendors, improper storage conditions, and interference with regulatory officers. These infractions pose serious public health risks, including drug abuse, poisoning, and the proliferation of substandard or fake medicines.
The operation also uncovered clusters of illegal pharmaceutical activities in Kasuwan Kurmi and Kwangiri areas of Kano metropolis, where 46 non-compliant outlets were sealed. Chiroma noted improved compliance levels compared to previous exercises, with more premises now meeting regulatory requirements.
He urged the public to purchase medicines only from licensed outlets displaying valid PCN certification and assured continued nationwide enforcement to ensure the availability of safe and quality medications.