FG unveils new regulations for online pharmacies

Nigeria has launched the Electronic Pharmacy Regulations 2026 to enhance oversight and regulate its growing digital pharmaceutical market. The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollum, represented by the Director of Hospital Services of the ministry, Dr Abisola Adegoke, described this as a major milestone in healthcare regulation. Kachollum stated the framework balances accessibility, security, and accountability, aiming to protect Nigerians as healthcare shifts online. The regulation is expected to improve medicine traceability, strengthen prescription regimes, and expand safe pharmaceutical access. The Registrar of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, Pharmacist Ibrahim Ahmed, noted the pandemic highlighted the need for regulating online pharmacy operations, stating the new regulation establishes a comprehensive structure for digital pharmaceutical services and aligns Nigeria with global standards. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate, said the regulation is part of broader reforms to organize Nigeria’s healthcare market and attract investment, emphasizing patient safety, data protection, and accountability. Pate warned all operators must comply with the new regulations or face sanctions, and signaled Nigeria’s readiness to attract investment in digital health.