Regulatory bodies · Nigerian pharma glossary
PCN (Pharmacists Council of Nigeria)
The Nigerian regulatory body that registers and licenses pharmacists and pharmaceutical premises in Nigeria. A PCN licence (PCN license) is the premises registration issued after inspection — mandatory for every retail pharmacy, wholesale chemist and PPMV outlet. PCN sets the standards for pharmacy practice and inspects premises for compliance.
A PCN-licensed premises with a registered superintendent pharmacist is required to dispense prescription-only medicines (antibiotics, antimalarials, etc.). PCN also issues Patent Medicine Vendor (PMV) licences for limited OTC sales.