The Federal Government has launched a new policy to regulate online pharmacy services in Nigeria, as part of efforts to improve access to safe medicines and stop the spread of fake drugs. The policy, known as the National Electronic Pharmacy Policy (NEPP), was officially unveiled on Monday, December 23, 2025, in Abuja by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
Along with the policy, the government also introduced a Strategic Implementation Plan to guide how the new rules will be put into action across the country. Officials said the initiative is aimed at bringing Nigeria’s pharmacy sector into the digital age while protecting patients and strengthening the healthcare system.
The launch of NEPP marks a major step in Nigeria’s digital health journey. In recent years, more Nigerians have turned to online platforms to buy medicines due to convenience, long hospital waiting times, and limited access to pharmacies in rural areas. However, this growth has also raised serious concerns about unregulated drug sales, counterfeit medicines, and unsafe delivery practices.
Under the NEPP, only licensed pharmacies and approved medicine vendors will be allowed to operate online pharmacy services. These providers must meet strict standards set by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), which is the regulatory body responsible for pharmacy practice in the country. The policy also outlines rules on how medicines should be stored, packaged, and delivered to consumers to ensure safety and quality.
Officials at the launch said the policy will improve transparency and accountability in the pharmaceutical sector. With proper regulation, patients will be able to verify genuine online pharmacies and trust that the medicines they receive are safe and effective. The policy also aims to improve record-keeping and monitoring of drug distribution through digital platforms.
The Federal Government said the NEPP is part of broader health sector reforms focused on using technology to improve healthcare delivery. In recent years, Nigeria has introduced digital health tools such as electronic medical records, telemedicine services, and health data systems. The online pharmacy policy builds on these efforts by addressing the growing role of e-commerce in healthcare.
Another key goal of the policy is to improve access to medicines, especially for people living in remote and underserved areas. Many rural communities have limited access to physical pharmacies, forcing residents to travel long distances to buy essential drugs. By supporting safe and regulated online pharmacy services, the government hopes to bridge this gap and ensure that more Nigerians can get the medicines they need.
The policy also includes measures to protect patient data and privacy. With the rise of digital health services, concerns about data security have increased. The NEPP requires online pharmacy operators to follow data protection rules and ensure that patients’ personal and medical information is kept confidential.
Stakeholders in the health sector have welcomed the policy, describing it as timely and necessary. Pharmacists, healthcare providers, and consumer groups have often called for stronger regulation of online drug sales to prevent abuse and protect public health. The new framework is expected to reduce illegal drug markets and strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
To address this, the Strategic Implementation Plan outlines steps for training regulators, educating the public, and using digital tools to track and monitor online pharmacy activities. The government said it will work closely with the PCN and other stakeholders to ensure nationwide compliance.
The launch of the NEPP comes at a time when Nigeria is working to strengthen its health system and achieve universal health coverage. Access to affordable and quality medicines is a key part of this goal. By regulating online pharmacy services, the Federal Government hopes to improve patient safety, reduce the burden of fake drugs, and modernize pharmaceutical services.
As the policy takes effect, Nigerians are expected to see clearer rules on who can sell medicines online and how these services should operate. Health officials urged the public to patronize only licensed online pharmacies and report suspicious drug sellers.
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