The Federal Government has introduced new regulations to tighten control over online medicine sales and improve drug safety across Nigeria.
The policy, known as the Electronic Pharmacy Regulations 2026, is aimed at addressing concerns about fake medicines, weak monitoring systems, and the rapid growth of digital drug platforms.
The launch took place in Abuja on Friday under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
Officials say the new framework will guide how online pharmacies are registered, licensed, and monitored. It also sets out rules for how digital drug services should operate to ensure patients receive safe and verified medications.
A senior official at the ministry, Daju Kachollom, said the policy was developed with input from health professionals, technology experts, and legal advisers. She explained that the goal is to make drug access easier while also protecting public health.
The Registrar of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, Ibrahim Ahmed, noted that the COVID-19 pandemic exposed major weaknesses in how online drug services were being regulated. He said the new system would close those gaps and improve oversight.
The Coordinating Minister of Health, Muhammad Ali Pate, said the reforms are part of broader efforts to modernise the health sector and attract investment. He added that the government will support compliant operators while enforcing strict penalties for those who break the rules.
According to him, the new approach is designed to improve transparency in medicine distribution and ensure safer access to drugs nationwide.
Officials believe the regulations will help reduce the circulation of fake medicines and strengthen trust in Nigeria’s growing digital healthcare market.
