The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has shut down 67 pharmacies across Lagos State for illegal operations, officials confirmed at a press briefing held at the PCN Lagos Zonal Office in Yaba. Dr. Taiwo Filusi, Director of the Lagos Zonal Office, revealed that the enforcement sweep took place over two days, June 16 and 17, targeting unregistered and unlawful drug outlets.
During the operation, 89 pharmaceutical premises were inspected in areas including Mushin, Oshodi, Bariga, Shomolu, Gbagada, Oworoshoki, Ifako, Pedro, Amuwo, Mazamaza, Satellite Town, Afromedia, Iyana Iba, and Okokomaiko. Of these, 67 were sealed, comprising 48 illegal medicine outlets, 17 pharmacies, and 2 patent medicine shops. Additionally, 11 premises received compliance directives for minor breaches.
Dr. Filusi emphasized that many of the sealed outlets operated without proper registration, failed to renew their licenses, handled controlled medicines without authorization, stocked unapproved products, lacked professional oversight, or stored medicines improperly. These practices pose serious public health risks, including self-medication, antimicrobial resistance, and preventable deaths.
“Medicines are not ordinary commodities. They require professional handling, knowledge, and ethical responsibility. Unregulated drug outlets encourage misuse and endanger lives,” Filusi stated. He further warned that the PCN will strictly enforce regulations and penalize anyone breaking seals or operating illegally.
The crackdown was conducted in partnership with law enforcement agencies and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). The PCN urged all pharmaceutical operators to register their outlets, employ licensed pharmacists and trained staff, and adhere to established operational standards.
Dr. Filusi also thanked security agencies and the public for their cooperation, reaffirming the PCN’s commitment to safeguarding public health by ensuring that all medicines in circulation are safe and handled by qualified professionals.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Lagos Chapter, applauded the PCN’s decisive action. PSN Lagos Chairman, Pharm. Babayemi Oyekunle, described the operation as a critical move to protect Lagos residents from counterfeit and substandard drugs that threaten public trust in healthcare. He also praised the collaboration between the PCN, Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), and Lagos State’s Directorate of Pharmaceutical Services.
ACPN Lagos Chairman, Tolulope Ajayi, highlighted the dangers of unregulated medicine sales, noting that without professional oversight, medicines can become harmful. He affirmed that the exercise will help reduce treatment failures, drug resistance, and mortality rates.
The PSN encouraged Lagosians to report suspicious pharmaceutical activities and pledged to maintain vigilance in ensuring safe and regulated healthcare services throughout the state.
