No PCN Logo, No Online Drug Sales, Says Registrar

– As FG tackles fake drugs online with new e-pharmacy regulations

Online drug sales without the official Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) logo will no longer be permitted, the Registrar, Pharm. Ibrahim Babashehu Ahmed, has declared. This follows the recent launch of the Electronic Pharmacy (e-Pharmacy) Regulations 2026 by the Federal Government to curb the spread of fake and substandard medicines on digital platforms.

The initiative, developed by the PCN, is designed to establish a safe, accessible and fully regulated national e-pharmacy ecosystem that leverages digital technology to improve health outcomes. Formulated in collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission and the Nigerian Data Protection Commission, the guidelines apply to all stakeholders in the e-pharmacy space, including operators, licensed pharmacists, healthcare providers, regulators and consumers.

Pharmanews reports that, prior to the introduction of these regulations, social media platforms had been inundated with misleading advertisements for substandard and falsified medicines, often accompanied by unverified therapeutic claims. These deceptive promotions have led unsuspecting users to purchase ineffective treatments without relief.

A publication by PubMed Central corroborates this trend, noting that the proliferation of online pharmacies and social media vendors has worsened the situation, with an estimated 72.68 per cent of pharmacists identifying online drug sales as a major challenge in combating fake medicines. The study also links substandard antimalarial drugs to an estimated 12,300 deaths annually.

Speaking at the launch in Abuja, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, described the initiative as a milestone for Nigeria’s health sector. He noted that it aligns pharmacy practice with global standards and advances digitalisation in pursuit of Universal Health Coverage.

Pate said the regulations would improve access to medicines, particularly in remote areas, support treatment adherence through digital tools, and enhance health data capture.

“E-pharmacy directly advances Universal Health Coverage while strengthening our health system,” he said.

He added that the regulations provide a comprehensive framework covering registration and licensing, prescription management, medicines supply and quality assurance, data privacy and security, monitoring and compliance, as well as consumer protection.

In an exclusive interview, the PCN Registrar, Pharm. Ibrahim Babashehu Ahmed, described the regulations as a game changer, stressing that any online platform without authorisation from the Council and without the official PCN logo cannot sell or advertise medicines.

On access, he said the regulations create a structured legal pathway for Nigerians, including those in rural and underserved communities, to obtain genuine medicines through licensed digital platforms at any time.

“This is transformative for a country of our size and geographic diversity,” he said.

Addressing the issue of fake and substandard medicines, particularly rampant social media advertising, he reiterated that only licensed and verified e-pharmacy platforms will be authorised to operate and will be identifiable by the official PCN logo.

The registrar, whose tenure was recently renewed by the coordinating minister of health, disclosed that the Council is working with relevant agencies, including the Nigerian Communications Commission and the Nigerian Data Protection Commission, to tackle the digital dimension of the problem.

“Let me be clear: those who use social media to advertise and sell fake, substandard or falsified medicines are operating illegally, and the PCN, in collaboration with sister agencies, will pursue them vigorously,” he said.

Highlighting achievements during his first tenure, he listed the passage of the PCN (Establishment) Act 2022, its assent by former President Muhammadu Buhari, the ISO 9001:2015 recertification valid from January 2025 to January 2028, and the launch of the e-Pharmacy Regulations 2026.

He noted that his second tenure will focus on full implementation of the regulations, operationalisation of the National Electronic Pharmacy Platform, and licensing of compliant operators.

He also pledged to deepen inspection and enforcement nationwide and strengthen pharmacy education to produce globally competitive professionals.

Ahmed further stated that implementation of the National Drug Distribution Guidelines (NDDG) through Coordinated Wholesale Centres (CWCs) would be closely monitored, alongside strengthened collaboration with stakeholders, including development partners, technology companies and law enforcement agencies.

Calling for compliance, Prof. Pate urged e-pharmacy operators and technology companies to adhere strictly to the new guidelines, warning that the era of operating in a regulatory grey area is over.

“The licensing process is open, and the requirements are clear,” he said.

He warned that those exploiting digital platforms to distribute substandard or falsified medicines would face strict consequences.

“Nigeria’s regulatory institutions are alert, equipped and resolute in their duty to protect citizens,” he added.

The minister noted that the regulations will enhance transparency, strengthen traceability in medicine distribution, enable evidence-based monitoring, and support innovation and investment in the pharmaceutical sector.

Reflecting on past challenges, Ahmed acknowledged issues such as insecurity, the country’s size and diversity, the rapid growth of informal drug markets, resistance to change and resource constraints.

Despite these, he expressed confidence in overcoming them through stronger inter-agency collaboration, increased use of technology and sustained stakeholder engagement.

He outlined his long-term vision as a Nigeria where all citizens have access to safe, effective and affordable medicines dispensed by competent and ethical professionals.

“To achieve this, we must continue to build trust – between the public and the profession, regulators and operators, and Nigeria and the global pharmaceutical community,” he said.

“Professional excellence is not a destination but a continuous journey, and we remain committed to advancing it with integrity and dedication,” he added.