The Federal Government has unveiled new electronic pharmacy (e-pharmacy) regulations aimed at aligning Nigeria’s healthcare system with global standards and accelerating progress toward Universal Health Coverage.
Speaking at the official launch in Abuja, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, said the initiative is part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritises digital transformation in healthcare delivery.
This was contained in a statement on Saturday, 11th April, 2026, by Ado Barko, Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations to the Ministry.
Pate explained that the 2026 regulations, developed by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, seek to establish a safe, accessible and fully regulated national e-pharmacy ecosystem.
According to him, the framework leverages digital technology to improve access to medicines, enhance patient adherence, and strengthen health data systems.
He noted that the regulations provide comprehensive guidelines covering key areas such as licensing and registration, prescription management, medicine supply and quality assurance, data privacy, compliance monitoring, and consumer protection.
Describing the development as a “defining moment” for Nigeria’s healthcare system, the minister said the move ensures pharmacy practice reflects modern realities while supporting innovation and investment in the digital health space.
The Minister further stressed that the rules apply to all stakeholders, including operators, pharmacists, healthcare providers, regulators and consumers.
He added that the framework would improve transparency, strengthen medicine traceability, and enhance evidence-based monitoring to safeguard public health.
Pate also issued a strong warning to operators, declaring that the era of unregulated digital pharmacy services was over.
He urged all players to comply fully with the new guidelines, noting that licensing processes are already open.
The Minister warned against the sale of substandard and falsified medicines through digital platforms, assuring that regulatory agencies are prepared to enforce compliance and protect citizens.
Highlighting investment opportunities, Pate said Nigeria remains open to partnerships with development partners, international organisations and investors, as it builds a world-class regulatory environment in digital health.
In a technical review, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, Ibrahim Babashehu Ahmed, said the regulations were developed through extensive collaboration with technology experts, healthcare providers and legal professionals.
He noted that the framework balances accessibility, security and accountability, ensuring that ethical standards and patient safety are not compromised as digital access to medicines expands.
Also speaking, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Daju Kachollom, represented by Dr Abisola Adegoke, said the regulation would strengthen medicine traceability, improve prescription practices and expand safe access to pharmaceuticals in both rural and urban areas.
Stakeholders, including representatives of the World Health Organization and the World Bank, as well as leaders in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector, welcomed the initiative and called for its swift implementation.
The new regulations mark a significant step in Nigeria’s efforts to modernise healthcare delivery and ensure safer, technology-driven pharmaceutical services nationwide.