Federal Courts Convict Operators of Unlicensed Patent Medicine Shops as PSN Calls for Stricter Enforcement

The Federal High Court in Ibadan sentenced an unregistered operator of a patent medicine shop on May 26, 2026. The Federal High Court in Calabar jailed the operator of an unregistered pharmacy along with three others for operating an unlicensed pharmaceutical premises and engaging unqualified personnel to dispense drugs.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria applauded both judgments on June 8, 2026.

In a statement signed by its president, Pharm. Ayuba Ibrahim Tanko, FPSN, the society described the rulings as historic and a major breakthrough in efforts against fake drugs and quackery. Tanko said many illegal operators falsely claim healthcare training received in private hospitals and pharmacies.

He stated that such activities violate Nigeria's pharmacy and drug laws, including the Fake Drug Act, which criminalises possession and sale of fake drugs as well as sales in unauthorised locations such as markets, kiosks and motor parks. 2 of the Fake Drug Act is very unambiguous that the appropriate licensing authority is the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria," Tanko said.

The society commended the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria for sustaining enforcement actions against illegal drug operators.

Tanko raised concerns over regulatory abuse in Cross River and Akwa Ibom states. He alleged that some groups, with the backing of certain government officials, had unlawfully assumed powers to register pharmaceutical facilities in violation of the PCN Act 2022.

Nigeria currently has fewer than 50,000 registered pharmaceutical premises, while unregistered outlets are estimated to exceed three million across the country, according to the PSN.