News
Nigeria’s new e-pharmacy rules protect digital health sector, Minister says
Nigeria is moving to safeguard its fast-growing digital health sector with the introduction of new e-pharmacy regulations, to tighten oversight of online medicine distribution and protect patients in an increasingly digitised healthcare environment.
Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, says the Federal Government launched the 2026 Electronic Pharmacy (e-pharmacy) Regulations, establishing a comprehensive framework to guide digital pharmacy operations across the country. The rules cover key areas including licensing and registration, prescription management, medicine supply and quality assurance, data privacy and security, monitoring and compliance, as well as consumer protection.
The policy marks a significant step in formalising Nigeria’s online pharmacy ecosystem, which has expanded rapidly alongside the growth of e-commerce, telemedicine and health technology platforms, according to the minister.
The policy marks a significant step in formalising Nigeria’s online pharmacy ecosystem, which has expanded rapidly alongside the growth of e-commerce, telemedicine and health technology platforms, according to the minister.
e-Pharmacy: Government targets safer digital healthcare delivery
Pate says the regulations are part of broader efforts to integrate digital technologies into healthcare delivery.
“At the heart of these Regulations is a clear vision to establish a safe, accessible, and fully regulated national e-pharmacy ecosystem that leverages digital technology to improve health outcomes,” he says at the launch in Abuja.
He adds that the framework is expected to improve access to medicines while supporting the country’s drive toward Universal Health Coverage.
The minister also issues a warning to operators exploiting gaps in the digital health space, stating that regulatory authorities are prepared to act against those distributing substandard or falsified medicines.
Data-driven oversight and traceability
A central feature of the new framework is its emphasis on data-driven healthcare delivery. By digitising prescription workflows and medicine distribution systems, regulators aim to improve traceability across the pharmaceutical value chain.
The approach is expected to strengthen monitoring capabilities, support evidence-based decision-making and enhance public health outcomes, while also creating a more structured environment for innovation and private-sector participation.
Implementation of the regulations is being led by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), the statutory body responsible for regulating pharmacy practice under the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria Act 2022.
According to Ibrahim Ahmed, the framework responds to changing patient behaviour in a digital-first environment and is designed to ensure that ethical standards are maintained across online and offline pharmacy operations.
The regulations, he says, were developed through consultations with stakeholders, including technology providers, healthcare professionals and legal experts, to balance accessibility with safety and accountability.
Implications for health-tech ecosystem
The introduction of the e-pharmacy rules is expected to reshape Nigeria’s digital health landscape, particularly for startups and platforms operating in the online medicine distribution space.
Under the new framework, operators will be required to obtain licences and comply with defined standards, effectively tightening oversight across the sector. The regulations are also expected to influence pharmaceutical e-commerce models, strengthen data privacy and cybersecurity requirements, and drive investment into compliant digital health infrastructure.
The policy builds on earlier reforms, including the National Electronic Pharmacy Policy introduced in 2025, and reflects lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, which accelerated the adoption of digital tools in healthcare while exposing gaps in regulatory oversight.
As Nigeria deepens the integration of technology into healthcare delivery, the new e-pharmacy regulations signal a shift toward a more structured and regulated digital health ecosystem, with patient safety and system accountability at its core.
Stay ahead with real-time reports, breaking news, and exclusive insights delivered directly to your phone. Don’t settle for outdated information. Join PLATEAU REPORTS NEWS on WhatsApp for 24/7 updates.
Jos is set to come alive in Arsenal colours as fans across Plateau State prepare for the much-anticipated Jos Arsenal Victory Parade, UEFA Champions League Watch Party, and Arsenal Awards Night in what promises to be one of the biggest fan gatherings in the city.
The event, described as the ultimate Gooners’ link-up, will bring together Arsenal supporters from across the state for an evening packed with celebration, entertainment, and football passion — with free entry for everyone.
Activities kick off on Saturday, May 30, with the Victory Parade scheduled to begin at 3:00 PM sharp from Terminus, by Zenith Bank, as fans are expected to flood the streets in Arsenal jerseys to celebrate in style.
The celebration will then move to Tamarald Event Centre (Outdoor), off Old Airport Junction, from 4:00 PM, where guests will enjoy an exciting lineup of activities.
Organisers have promised premium entertainment featuring free party jollof for the first 50 attendees, sizzling barbecue, music performances, comedy, dance showcases, special Arsenal awards presentations, and the official launch of a brand-new Arsenal-themed song.
Supporters are simply encouraged to show up in their Arsenal jerseys and be part of the unforgettable experience.
The event is supported by Areo Global Services, Malangwa Media Empire, Nugroove Multimedia, Grace Dimensions Ministries, Dabels Cakes and Catering, Jos Metro Foods, Da Zone Concepts, Joe B Entertainment, Royal K.O.C, and the Gunners Rhythm Gang.
For enquiries, support, and table reservations, interested participants can contact:
07031001105
08126007839
For Jos Gooners, this is more than an event — it is a celebration of football, community, and Arsenal pride.
Super Eagles’ coach, Eric Sekou Chelle has hinted that he will unleash another ‘surprise package’ on his team’s next opponent at this year’s ongoing Unity Cup in London, Sports247 reports.
Speaking against the backdrop of Tuesday’s 2-0 victory over Zimbabwe in the competition’s opening match at Charlton Athletic FC’s home ground, The Valley, Chelle said he was impressed with what his array of rookies were able to achieve against The Warriors.
While not singling out any of the lads for particular mention, the Franco-Malian tactician admitted he was surprised by the team’s performance, considering that most of the lads were playing together for the first time.
The former coach of Mali’s national team and MC Oran football club of Algeria further hinted that many of those who featured in Tuesday’s game justified their inclusion in the list of invitees and showed that they can even be counted on to feature in the main Nigerian squad.
With his eyes now fully set on Saturday’s final at the same venue, Chelle inferred that he may not roll out the same starting 11, considering that some of Nigeria’s Grade-A players are also in camp and were rested for the opening game in order to give the rookies their own opportunities to shine.
However, Chelle noted further that there’s a strong likelihood of the next clash being against perennial Unity Cup rivals, Jamaica, who dragged the Eagles into penalties’ shootout before Nigeria could win last year’s final at Brentford’s BTech Stadium also in London.
With that in mind, the gaffer is already thinking of tinkering his squad list for the final but, while keeping hid plans close to his chest, Chelle stressed that the enthusiasm of all the lads in camp has made it possible for him to roll out tactical surprises at will.
Chelle said, “I was truly surprised by the performance of the players against Zimbabwe. I was surprised, because they played as if they had been together for six months or one year.
“In reality, it was the first time, but they showed that we can always make surprises happen in the Unity Cup. We are now looking at the next opponent in the final.”
Sports247 gathered that there is a strong possibility that Wilfred Oyinyen Ndidi will captain the squad on Saturday, while Moses Simon and Jerome Akor Adams line out alongside new rave of the moment, Femi Azeez, in attack.
-
News3 days agoXreal, Google’s smartglasses partner, thinks it has finally mastered this notoriously tricky industry
-
Health3 days ago
Anambra govt launches long-acting injectable drug to prevent HIV
-
News4 days ago
2027 Is a Walkover, APC Will Record Landslide Victory Across Nigeria — Yilwatda Declares
-
News4 days ago
SolarSquare in talks to raise up to $60M as India’s rooftop solar market draws major VC interest
