PSN Opposes Changes in Pharmacy Control Legislation, Warns of Threat to Public Health

– Urges Tinubu, NASS to halt amendment bills pending in courts
– ⁠Says proposed law will undermine PCN autonomy, professional standards

Sunday Ehigiator

The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has warned the federal government against proposed changes to legislation guiding pharmacy practice in the country, saying such moves could weaken regulatory control and endanger public health.
PSN President, Ibrahim Tanko Ayuba, gave the warning at the 2026 PSN Colloquium held recently in Yola, Adamawa State, where he expressed concern over an Amendment Bill currently before the National Assembly.

Ayuba cautioned that any alteration to existing laws regulating the profession would disrupt the governing structure of the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), thereby undermining its authority and the integrity of pharmaceutical practice.
He described the proposed amendment as “an undue interference and disruption of the autonomy of professionalism in pharmacy practice,” urging lawmakers to suspend further consideration of the bill.

The PSN president also called on Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly to halt all health-related amendment bills currently before the courts, stressing the need to respect judicial processes.
“A disruption of this smooth equilibrium poses huge threats to the sustainability of the PCN and public health ultimately. We respectfully urge President Tinubu and the National Assembly to halt these amendment health bills as there are multiple court cases in the various High Courts and the Court of Appeal,” Ayuba said.

He argued that pharmacy remains the only health profession listed on the Exclusive Legislative List, noting that drug-related matters are covered under Item 21 of Part 1 of the Second Schedule of the 1999 Constitution. According to him, this aligns with global best practices, warning that interference in its regulation could expose Nigerians to unsafe practices.
Ayuba further maintained that the rules of the National Assembly prohibit deliberation on matters already before the courts, expressing confidence that the current administration would uphold the rule of law.

Describing the PCN as indispensable to maintaining standards and discipline in the profession, he stressed the need for a competent and balanced Governing Council to safeguard pharmaceutical practice nationwide.
“The Council plays a critical role in practice regulation, training of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and support staff, and disciplinary oversight, while also serving as a bridge between supervisory ministries and other stakeholders,” he said.

He warned that any imbalance in the composition of the Council could pose serious risks to both the profession and public safety, noting that the PCN uniquely regulates not just practitioners but also the business of pharmacy, including community pharmacies, patent medicine vendors, and veterinary pharmacies.

Ayuba explained that regulatory enforcement is handled by Pharmaceutical Inspection Officers who must be registered pharmacists, while training and disciplinary responsibilities are clearly outlined in the PCN Act 2022.

On governance, he said the Council’s membership should comprise experienced professionals drawn from PSN leadership, academia, Directors of Pharmaceutical Services, representatives of the Federal Ministry of Health, and other key stakeholders to ensure efficiency and sustainability.
Meanwhile, the PSN president commended Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for what he described as significant strides in the state’s healthcare sector.
He cited the implementation of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) and Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), establishment of a Pharmacy Consultancy Cadre, and ongoing training programmes for pharmacy technicians as notable achievements.

According to Ayuba, Adamawa has also recorded major improvements in healthcare infrastructure, including upgraded facilities across local government areas, a modern laboratory complex, cottage hospitals, an infectious disease centre, a dialysis complex offering free services, and advanced surgical facilities.

He described the reforms as transformative, adding that they have boosted public confidence and positioned the state as a model for healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

Ayuba also announced the launch of the PSN Centenary Endowment Fund aimed at promoting pharmacy education and research, while reiterating the society’s call for the establishment of a College of Pharmacy at the state university.