From Doris Obinna
Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has raised alarm over the alleged unlawful demand for business registration fees and the violent assault of pharmacists by agents of the Benue State Ministry of Commerce and Investment.
In an open letter to the Benue State Governor, Rev. Father Hyacinth Iormen Alia, the ACPN accused the ministry’s officials, accompanied by police officers, of illegally raiding pharmaceutical premises in Otukpo and Makurdi.
The pharmacists claim the state agents sealed their businesses under the pretext of enforcing an alleged commerce and industry levy, despite pharmacy practice being under federal jurisdiction.
According to the letter signed by ACPN National Chairman, Ambrose Ezeh, and National Secretary, Mrs. Omokhafe Ashore, the state government’s actions violate existing pharmacy and drug laws in Nigeria. The pharmacists allege that about 20 state agents and 10 police officers forcefully locked pharmacists and staff inside their premises for over eight hours during the raid.
“This is a violation of due process as articulated by the Joint Tax Board. Pharmaceutical premises in Nigeria are already required to pay registration fees to the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), a body under the Federal Ministry of Health. Agents of state governments and local government areas have no legal authority to regulate pharmacy practice,” the letter stated.
The ACPN cited constitutional provisions and past court rulings affirming that only the National Assembly can make laws regarding drug regulation in Nigeria. They also noted that the PCN, along with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), are the only entities legally empowered to regulate pharmaceutical practices.
The association has called on Governor Alia to intervene immediately by directing the State Ministry of Commerce and Investment to stop imposing illegal fees and harassment of pharmacists.
The ACPN also demanded compensation for affected members and emphasized their commitment to peaceful cooperation with the government in delivering quality healthcare services.
As of the time of reporting, the Benue State Government has not issued an official response to the allegations.
