Mirian Gom 
LAGOS, Nigeria – A growing shortage of pharmacists in Lagos is weakening drug regulation systems, raising concerns over compliance failures and patient safety risks in one of Nigeria’s largest health markets.
Industry data presented by the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) on Tuesday indicate a declining number of pharmacists in key regulatory roles, creating operational gaps in oversight.
At the society’s 2026 Annual Luncheon, PSN Lagos Chairman Olaitan Ogunlade warned that the depletion is affecting the Directorate of Pharmaceutical Services, once regarded as a benchmark institution.
Experts say inadequate staffing in regulatory units can lead to increased circulation of substandard or counterfeit medicines, especially in densely populated urban centres.
The society is calling for urgent government intervention through targeted recruitment and workforce restructuring to stabilise pharmaceutical services.
Health analysts note that workforce shortages across Nigeria’s health sector continue to undermine quality assurance and service delivery outcomes.
About the Author
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Korede Abdullah 
