The Federal Government has unveiled new Electronic Pharmacy Regulations 2026 to regulate Nigeria’s expanding digital pharmaceutical sector and curb the sale of counterfeit and substandard medicines online.

The framework was launched by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria under the Ministry of Health. It provides a comprehensive legal and technical structure for the registration, licensing, operation, and oversight of digital pharmaceutical services, including online drug sales, tele-pharmacy consultations, and home delivery platforms.

PCN Registrar Ibrahim Ahmed said the regulations became necessary as global health crises like COVID-19 accelerated the shift to digital healthcare and exposed inefficiencies in medicine distribution across Nigeria and Africa. He noted that while PCN has regulated pharmacy education, training, and practice for decades, “access to medicines has evolved” and requires updated safeguards.

Key provisions of the regulations include:

– Mandatory licensing: All e-pharmacy platforms, websites, and apps must be registered and licensed by PCN before operating.

– Pharmacist oversight: Every online transaction must be reviewed and approved by a licensed pharmacist.

– Prescription controls: Strict protocols for verifying and dispensing prescription-only medicines.

– Traceability: Digital platforms must maintain records to track drug sources and ensure supply chain integrity.

– Patient safety: Ethical standards and professional codes must be upheld in all online pharmaceutical services.

Health experts and digital health innovators have welcomed the policy. Munir Elelu, Director at the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria Foundation, called it a timely innovation that could improve primary healthcare, family planning services, and access to medicines in underserved communities. David Adeyemi, CEO of Pharmachain Technologies and part of the drafting team, said poor implementation had hindered past policies but expressed confidence the new framework would deliver “meaningful change.”

The Federal Government said the move marks a major shift toward safer, more accountable digital healthcare delivery as Nigerians increasingly turn to online platforms for medicines. Enforcement will be carried out in collaboration with NAFDAC, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, and law enforcement agencies.