Control Of Veterinary Clinics, Drugs Causes Dispute In Oyo State

The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA) and the Oyo State Government are currently disputing over the control of veterinary clinics and drugs in the state.

The pharmacists argue that drugs fall under the exclusive list and can only be regulated by the federal government through National Assembly legislation.

However, the state government claims the right to regulate the sale of animal drugs and veterinary clinics in line with a recently passed law in the State.

The Oyo State House of Assembly passed the Oyo State Veterinary Practice Premises Registration Regulation Bill 2018 into law. The purpose of this legislation is to regulate the sale, storage, and dispensing of animal drugs and veterinary clinics in the State.

In accordance with the provisions of this law, the State government sealed FinRel Pharmacy Supermarket and Bakery in Olorunsogo area, Ibadan, the State capital, on August 28, 2023.

In a statement, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye, stated that the pharmacy was operating an illegal veterinary pharmacy and providing veterinary clinical services without proper registration.

The pharmacists in the state are unhappy with these actions and argue that the State government does not have the authority to regulate drugs.

The ACPN declared that the passage of the Veterinary Practice Premises Registration Regulation bill by the Oyo State House of Assembly contradicts National Assembly legislation and undermines the exclusive power of the federal government.

ACPN Chairman in Oyo State, Pharmacist Adebayo Gbadamosi, called on Governor Seyi Makinde to intervene in the matter and urged the police and other security agencies not to support the ministry’s actions.

On the other hand, the Oyo State government has vowed to continue enforcing the law and condemned the actions of the pharmacy owner. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development explained that its actions are aimed at preventing the outbreak of zoonotic diseases.

The Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association declined to provide a reaction to the dispute and stated that professional issues should not be subjected to media trials.