The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has carried out a major enforcement operation in Kano State, sealing 821 pharmaceutical premises over various regulatory infractions.
The exercise, which spanned four days and covered eight local government areas, was aimed at sanitising the pharmaceutical sector by targeting illegal operators and ensuring compliance with established standards.
The development was disclosed during a press briefing held at the council’s Kano office, where the Head of Enforcement, Suleiman S. Chiroma, spoke on behalf of the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer.
According to Chiroma, a total of 1,140 premises were inspected during the operation. These included registered pharmacies, patent and proprietary medicine vendor (PPMV) outlets, and unlicensed establishments.
Out of the inspected facilities, 821 were found to be in violation of regulatory requirements and were subsequently sealed. The breakdown includes 68 pharmacies, 587 PPMV stores, and 166 illegal outlets.
In addition, the council issued 10 compliance directives to operators and arrested one individual for obstructing enforcement officers and breaching provisions of the PCN Act.
Chiroma explained that the enforcement team uncovered multiple infractions, including the inability of some operators to present valid licences, the unlawful sale of prescription-only medicines by unlicensed vendors, poor storage conditions, and attempts to hinder regulatory activities.
He warned that such practices pose serious threats to public health, including increased risks of drug misuse, poisoning, and the circulation of substandard or counterfeit medicines.
The council also identified clusters of illegal pharmaceutical activities in areas such as Kasuwan Kurmi and Kwangiri within Kano metropolis, where 46 non-compliant premises were shut down.
Despite the violations recorded, Chiroma noted an improvement in overall compliance levels, with a growing number of operators adhering to regulatory standards.
He advised members of the public to obtain medicines only from licensed outlets displaying valid PCN certification, while reaffirming the council’s commitment to sustained enforcement actions across the country to ensure the availability of safe and quality medicines.
