Comparative Analysis of Pharmacy Practice Regulations: Lessons from Nigeria and the United States

Abstract

Pharmacy practice regulation is central to safeguarding public health and shaping the professional responsibilities of pharmacists. This study provides a comparative analysis of the regulatory frameworks in Nigeria and the United States, examining their structures, scope of practice, and enforcement mechanisms. Using secondary evidence, it highlights how Nigeria’s centralized model under the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria offers coherence but struggles with weak enforcement and the persistence of informal markets. At the same time, the U.S. demonstrates a layered, resource-intensive system marked by both accountability and variability across states. The findings reveal that Nigeria requires stronger enforcement mechanisms and professional integration, while the United States must address inconsistencies created by state-level fragmentation. Lessons for reform emphasize the importance of accountability, patient-centered care, and international alignment. Future research directions underscore the potential role of digital accountability, trauma-informed engagement, and socio-ethical legitimacy in strengthening pharmacy regulation.