By Joy Onu
The Federal Government has introduced Nigeria’s first comprehensive regulatory framework for electronic pharmacy services, marking a major step toward tightening oversight of online medicine sales and strengthening the country’s digital health system.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, unveiled the 2026 Electronic Pharmacy (e-Pharmacy) Regulations in Abuja, describing it as a transformative move to improve access to safe, quality medicines through regulated digital platforms.
Developed by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, the framework sets out a structured system to govern online pharmaceutical services in Nigeria, aligning the sector with global standards and the government’s digital health agenda.
Pate explained that the regulations are designed to support the achievement of Universal Health Coverage by improving medicine availability, strengthening adherence through digital tools, and enhancing data-driven health planning.
He noted that the policy provides clear rules covering licensing, prescription management, drug supply chain controls, data protection, compliance monitoring, and consumer safety, aimed at eliminating gaps in the emerging digital medicine market.
The minister warned that regulatory authorities would strictly enforce compliance, stating that operators who continue to function outside approved guidelines or attempt to distribute counterfeit medicines through digital platforms would face sanctions.
He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s openness to investment in digital health innovation, urging collaboration between government, development partners, and technology firms to build a safe and transparent e-pharmacy ecosystem.
