The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has denied allegations that it is shielding drug dealers and facilitating the distribution of illicit substances in Kano State.
The council described the allegations by the Chairman of the Kano State Multi-Agency Taskforce on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, as baseless and unfounded.
In a press statement issued on Saturday, November 14, 2026, and signed by Pharm. Hasiya Ladan on behalf of the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, the PCN said the allegations were made during a press conference held by the task force chairman in Kano.
Rimin Gado had reportedly accused the PCN and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) of protecting drug dealers and compromising efforts to tackle illicit drug distribution.
He also questioned the issuance of import licences to pharmaceutical companies dealing in pregabalin, following its classification as a controlled drug by NAFDAC on September 14, 2026.
The task force chairman further alleged that the PCN registered a residential property at No. 10 Apple Avenue as a concealed outlet for distributing the drug, contrary to the provisions of the Land Use Act.
However, the PCN maintained that the regulation of pharmaceutical premises falls within its statutory mandate under the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (Establishment) Act 2022.
It cited the 1999 Constitution, a Supreme Court judgment and other legal instruments to support its position that the regulation of pharmaceutical premises is within its exclusive authority.
The council also explained that its regulatory framework operates through inspection committees established in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, involving state health officials, pharmacists and other qualified inspectors.
According to the PCN, its state officers serve as secretaries to the committees, while inspections and recommendations for licensing are carried out through the established structure.
On the allegation involving No. 10 Apple Avenue, the council said its regulations do not prohibit the registration of pharmaceutical premises in residential areas, provided they meet other legal requirements.
It added that determining whether a property designated for residential use could be used for pharmaceutical business was not among the considerations for granting location approval.
The PCN further disclosed that its national enforcement team had visited 11 states in 2026, including Kano twice, in April and September.
It said 9,908 pharmaceutical outlets were inspected nationwide, with 6,838 sealed for various offences.
In Kano State alone, the council said it inspected 2,304 pharmaceutical outlets and sealed 1,631, while investigations into 15 cases were ongoing.
The council stressed that the figures did not include routine enforcement activities conducted by its Kano State office.
On the Coordinated Wholesale Centre (CWC), the PCN explained that the initiative was introduced by the Federal Government to address the challenges associated with open drug markets.
It said the programme was specifically designed to relocate identified and verified vendors operating in Sabon Gari and other drug market clusters in Kano, but did not prevent independent pharmaceutical wholesalers, distributors and importers from establishing their own facilities.
The council also challenged Rimin Gado to provide evidence supporting his allegation that some PCN officials were involved in clandestine drug businesses.
It said it took allegations of misconduct against its personnel seriously and urged the task force chairman to submit any available evidence for investigation.
The PCN added that it had introduced Form K, known as the Disposal of Poison Records, with support from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), NAFDAC and other stakeholders, to monitor the sale, distribution and dispensing of controlled substances.
It warned that pharmaceutical premises found violating the requirements would face appropriate sanctions.
The council reaffirmed its commitment to tackling illicit drug distribution and ensuring public safety, while urging stakeholders to report any suspected wrongdoing through its designated channels.
It, however, warned against using the fight against drug abuse as an avenue for institutional intimidation, unfounded accusations or undermining the statutory responsibilities of regulatory agencies.
