Federal High Court Awka Dismisses Suit by Patent Medicine Dealers Against the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria
In a historic ruling that reinforces the authority of statutory regulation and affirms the integrity of pharmacy practice in Nigeria, the Federal High Court sitting in Awka, Anambra State, on Friday, 27th June 2025, delivered a landmark judgement in favour of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN).
The suit, filed by the Patent Medicine Dealers Association against the PCN, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and two other respondents, alleged violations of fundamental human rights arising from lawful enforcement actions. However, in a well-considered judgement delivered by Honourable Justice Evelyn Anyadike, the Court dismissed the case in its entirety, citing lack of merit and failure to prove any infringement of rights.
This profound legal victory validates the PCN’s statutory mandate under the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria Establishment Act, 2022, and reinforces the legal and moral legitimacy of the Pharmaceutical Inspection Committees (PICs) in their tireless efforts to sanitize the pharmaceutical landscape and combat the unlawful distribution of medicines.
Make no mistake—this is a victory for pharmacy, a victory for public health, and a victory for every law-abiding pharmacist in Anambra State and indeed across Nigeria.
As we listened in court today to the firm and unambiguous declarations of Hon. Justice Anyadike, it became crystal clear: quackery shall not prevail, and the era of unlawful encroachment into our professional space is being dismantled—brick by brick.
We also extend our appreciation to the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria for staying resolute in seeing this matter to its logical conclusion. It is not yet Uhuru, but this judgement marks a solid milestone in our collective journey to reclaim and protect the sanctity of the pharmacy profession.
We cannot overstate the significance of the Professional Defense Levy (PDL) in making this victory possible. It was your collective contributions, your belief in due process, and your unwavering commitment to professional integrity that empowered us to stand firm and prevail.
Let this serve as a bold reminder:
No amount is too much to defend the honour of our profession.
Every kobo of your levy is a weapon of justice—and we assure you that it will continue to be used judiciously and accounted for with transparency and integrity.
To every pharmacist who has sacrificed time, resources, and energy to support this noble cause, we owe you immense gratitude. Thank you for standing firm. Thank you for believing in the process. Thank you for your continuous support.
As we celebrate this legal triumph, we urge pharmacists everywhere to remain resolute, united, and vigilant. Today’s ruling is not the end, but a powerful milestone in our unyielding mission to elevate pharmacy practice and protect public health in Nigeria.
Signed,
Pharm. Emeka Okpana
Chairman,
Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Anambra State
27th June 2025
