Pharmacists’ Council Shuts Down Over 350 Pharmacies in Jigawa

The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has closed more than 350 pharmacies and medicine stores in Jigawa State.

Pharmacist Stephen Esumobi, Director of Enforcement for PCN, announced this during a press briefing at the Federal Secretariat in Dutse, the state capital. He stated that the enforcement team’s visit to Jigawa was part of PCN’s ongoing efforts to streamline Nigeria’s drug distribution system.

Esumobi highlighted that many of the premises visited had inadequate storage conditions, leading to the degradation of pharmaceutical products. Additionally, he pointed out that illegal medicine dealers were found selling substances of abuse, exacerbating social and security issues related to the illicit use of these drugs.

The local government areas targeted during the enforcement operation included Dutse, Hadejia, Birnin Kudu, Gwaram, Ringim, Taura, Birniwa, Guri, Mallam Madori, Jahun, Kiyawa, Garki, Gumel, Kazaure, Roni, Gagarawa, Buji, Kafin Hausa, Kaugama, and Auyo.

Esumobi reported that the PCN team visited a total of 457 premises, comprising 19 pharmacies, 178 patent medicine shops, and 260 illegal establishments. Of these, 355 premises were sealed, including 8 pharmacies, 87 patent medicine shops, and 260 illegal medicine shops.

Additionally, two arrests were made: one individual was detained for breaking PCN seals, and another for obstructing inspectors.