67 Drug Shops Sealed, Abattoir Shut Down in Lagos

The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has sealed 67 pharmaceutical premises across Lagos State for failing to meet regulatory standards, following a two-day enforcement operation conducted between June 16 and 17, 2025. This crackdown targeted illegal and unregistered drug outlets operating without proper licenses or qualified personnel.

Dr. Taiwo Filusi, Director of the PCN Lagos Zonal Office in Yaba, described the rampant proliferation of unlawful medicine shops as a significant threat to public health. He explained that many of these outlets are managed by unqualified individuals who lack the necessary professional expertise and ethical commitment required for safe pharmaceutical practice.

“Medicines are not ordinary commodities; they demand careful handling, professional knowledge, and ethical responsibility,” Dr. Filusi emphasized. “The uncontrolled operation of these drug outlets encourages self-medication and drug misuse, posing grave risks to consumers.”

During the enforcement exercise, PCN teams inspected 89 pharmaceutical establishments across multiple areas in Lagos, including Mushin, Oshodi, Bariga, Shomolu, Gbagada, Oworoshoki, Ifako, Pedro, Amuwo, Mazamaza, Satellite Town, Afromedia, Iyana Iba, and Okokomaiko.

Of these, 67 premises were shut down—comprising 48 illegal medicine outlets, 17 pharmacies, and 2 patent medicine shops. An additional 11 outlets were issued compliance directives to address minor infractions.

In a related development, the Lagos State government ordered the immediate closure of the Oko-Oba Abattoir in Agege due to widespread unsanitary practices, improper waste management, and unhygienic handling of animal products. The directive followed an inspection prompted by a petition from the Ministry of Agriculture.

Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, who led the inspection, described the conditions at the abattoir as “heart-wrenching.” He condemned the operators for flagrantly disregarding environmental laws by slaughtering animals in unhygienic conditions and discharging waste directly into public drainage systems.

“What we saw today at Oko-Oba is unacceptable. The operators have chosen to ignore the law and endanger public health with their reckless activities,” Wahab stated. “The state government will take firm and decisive action to ensure compliance with all environmental and health regulations.”

Wahab warned that the closure of the abattoir is not a one-time measure. “Until they fully comply with the law, we will continue monitoring and enforcing regulations. If the current conditions persist, it is only a catastrophe waiting to happen,” he concluded.

Other locations inspected during the environmental crackdown included Adetola Canal by Jonathan Coker Street in Fagba and Iju in Ifako Ijaiye Local Government Area.