The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has shut down 598 pharmacies and patent medicine shops across Kaduna State over multiple regulatory violations.
According to the Council’s Head of Enforcement, Suleiman Chiroma, the four-day operation inspected 828 premises across key areas including Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Zaria, Sabon Gari, Giwa and Igabi.
Out of the affected outlets, 68 were registered pharmacies, 456 were patent medicine stores, while 74 were operating without any licence. Many were found selling prescription-only drugs unlawfully, maintaining poor storage conditions, or exceeding their approved scope of practice.
Two suspects were arrested during the exercise, while several operators received compliance directives.
PCN noted that despite the widespread infractions, compliance is gradually improving, with only 9% of premises found to be operating illegally and a fair number meeting regulatory standards.
The crackdown aligns with ongoing health sector reforms under Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aimed at ensuring access to safe and quality medicines nationwide.
The Council has urged Nigerians to patronise only licensed drug outlets, warning that enforcement operations will continue across the country.