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Background <p>Pharmacy practice plays a crucial role in healthcare delivery, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where health systems are under-resourced. The evolution of pharmacy into a patient-centered profession requires adherence to regulatory and professional standards. However, regulatory compliance in Nigeria often falls short of global expectations.</p> Objective <p>This study aimed to assess the state of pharmacy practice and regulatory compliance among pharmacists in Southwest Nigeria and provide evidence-based recommendations for strengthening compliance in Nigeria.</p> Methods <p>A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 349 pharmacists, involved in retail, wholesale and distribution, manufacturing, and importation in Southwest Nigeria, using stratified and convenience sampling methods. Data were collected with structured and pretested questionnaire which surveyed presence of superintendent pharmacists, licensing status, practice activities, ethical sales and control in the pharmacist’s absence. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were performed.</p> Results <p>Of 327 respondents (93.7% response rate), most were males (59.6%), with mean age of 44.8&#xa0;years and 62.1% held bachelor of pharmacy degree while 81.0% were retail pharmacists. Superintendent pharmacists are present in 93.3% of pharmacies and 77.3% possessed current licensure from the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN). Only 38.2% reported recent regulatory inspections. When pharmacists were absent in retail practice, control of sales of ethical products is primarily managed by staff calling the pharmacist before proceeding with sales (66.0%). Others included oversight by pharmacy technicians (21.1%), closing the ethical Sect.&#xa0;(20.8%), or allowing sales attendants to handle sales (12.8%). The overall regulatory compliance score was 73.3% (median: 75%, IQR: 63.6–81.2), highest among wholesale/distribution outlets (79.4 ± 9.7%). Regulatory compliance was significantly associated with state of practice and license status (p &lt; 0.001).</p> Conclusion <p>Regulatory compliance in Nigeria pharmacy practice remains suboptimal. Strengthened regulatory oversight, improved inspection systems, and enhanced professional accountability are essential for ensuring compliance and safeguarding public health.</p>

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Assessment of pharmacy practice operations and regulatory compliance among pharmacy stakeholders in Nigeria

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月6日

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  • Yejide Olukemi Oseni,
  • Joseph Michael Okwori

摘要

Background

Pharmacy practice plays a crucial role in healthcare delivery, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where health systems are under-resourced. The evolution of pharmacy into a patient-centered profession requires adherence to regulatory and professional standards. However, regulatory compliance in Nigeria often falls short of global expectations.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the state of pharmacy practice and regulatory compliance among pharmacists in Southwest Nigeria and provide evidence-based recommendations for strengthening compliance in Nigeria.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 349 pharmacists, involved in retail, wholesale and distribution, manufacturing, and importation in Southwest Nigeria, using stratified and convenience sampling methods. Data were collected with structured and pretested questionnaire which surveyed presence of superintendent pharmacists, licensing status, practice activities, ethical sales and control in the pharmacist’s absence. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results

Of 327 respondents (93.7% response rate), most were males (59.6%), with mean age of 44.8 years and 62.1% held bachelor of pharmacy degree while 81.0% were retail pharmacists. Superintendent pharmacists are present in 93.3% of pharmacies and 77.3% possessed current licensure from the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN). Only 38.2% reported recent regulatory inspections. When pharmacists were absent in retail practice, control of sales of ethical products is primarily managed by staff calling the pharmacist before proceeding with sales (66.0%). Others included oversight by pharmacy technicians (21.1%), closing the ethical Sect. (20.8%), or allowing sales attendants to handle sales (12.8%). The overall regulatory compliance score was 73.3% (median: 75%, IQR: 63.6–81.2), highest among wholesale/distribution outlets (79.4 ± 9.7%). Regulatory compliance was significantly associated with state of practice and license status (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Regulatory compliance in Nigeria pharmacy practice remains suboptimal. Strengthened regulatory oversight, improved inspection systems, and enhanced professional accountability are essential for ensuring compliance and safeguarding public health.