Lagos pharmacists warn of weakening drug regulation amid manpower crisis

Pharmacists in Lagos are sounding the alarm over a deteriorating drug regulatory system, citing critical shortages of personnel in key positions and the prolonged absence of an inaugurated Governing Council for the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN).

The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Lagos branch, warns that this "regulatory vacuum" exposes Nigerians to unsafe medicines and substandard pharmacy practices. The society's chairman, Pharm. Olaitan Ogunlade, highlighted these concerns during the 2026 Pharmacy Week, emphasizing the direct impact on public safety.

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This is already creating gaps in drug control and weakening compliance structures across the health system.

Ogunlade explained that the Directorate of Pharmaceutical Services (DPS) within the Lagos State Ministry of Health is severely understaffed, hindering its ability to conduct drug inspections, ensure quality control, and combat counterfeit medicines. "This is already creating gaps in drug control and weakening compliance structures across the health system," he stated.

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We have been very patient even when we never solicited the amendment of the PCN Act 2022. In the last three years, full and lawful accreditation of training facilities, disciplinary measures and vital practice matters have suffered.

The PSN is urging the Lagos State Government to bolster the DPS with more pharmacists and restore adequate manpower to regulatory roles. Simultaneously, they demand the immediate inauguration of the PCN Governing Council, arguing that the national body cannot function effectively without it. "We have been very patient even when we never solicited the amendment of the PCN Act 2022. In the last three years, full and lawful accreditation of training facilities, disciplinary measures and vital practice matters have suffered," Ogunlade said.

Meanwhile, Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, stressed the severe consequences of unrestricted drug access, particularly for public health and the environment. "It shouldn’t be easy to access a restricted drug. It should be extremely difficult. We need to build a cage around restricted drugs for the benefit of us and for the benefit of the environment," he stated, underscoring the need for comprehensive regulation across all health services.

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It shouldn’t be easy to access a restricted drug. It should be extremely difficult. We need to build a cage around restricted drugs for the benefit of us and for the benefit of the environment.