The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has shut down 443 drug-related premises in Taraba State.
This move came after a four-day enforcement drive aimed at identifying and closing operations run by unqualified vendors and unauthorized outlets across the state.
Addressing reporters in Jalingo on the 20th of June 2025, Dr. S.S. Chiroma, who leads the PCN’s enforcement team, advised the public in Taraba and beyond to be careful about where they buy their medicines.
He said sourcing drugs from unauthorized and untrained sellers puts people at risk.
Dr. Chiroma also encouraged anyone aware of suspicious or illegal drug operators to report them to the PCN office in Jalingo.
He said the council is focused on cleaning up the pharmaceutical space and safeguarding public health.
The enforcement exercise, according to Chiroma, covered nine out of the 16 local government areas in Taraba. The areas included Sardauna, Gashaka, Kurmi, Bali, Ardo-Kola, Jalingo, Zing, Lau, and Yorro.
“A total of 656 premises were inspected during the exercise, comprising 83 pharmacies and 573 patent medicine stores.
Out of these, 443 outlets, 48 pharmacies and 395 patent medicine shops, were sealed for various infractions, while 10 others were issued compliance directives,” Dr. Chiroma said.
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The infractions included operating without proper registration, expired licenses, unauthorized clinical practices, and selling restricted medicines illegally.
Others were flagged for exceeding stocking limits and hiring staff without the needed qualifications.
“Others were sanctioned for retaining wholesale operations without the necessary authorization,” he stated.
Chiroma also highlighted the importance of following the National Drug Distribution Guidelines, which outline how drugs should move from manufacturers and importers to end users.
“This exercise is part of our strategy to eliminate quackery in pharmaceutical practice. It will help stamp out the unprofessional handling of medicines by persons not recognized under the PCN Act and ensure Nigerians have access to safe and effective medications,” he said.