The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has officially reopened the Onitsha drug market, which had been closed since February 10 to allow for a thorough sanitisation operation. The closure was initially implemented to avoid confrontations with traders while NAFDAC worked to remove counterfeit and banned medicines from the market.
Dr. Martin Iluyomade, Director of Enugu Zone Zonal Operations, explained that the closure was necessary to carry out the operation effectively and without conflict. He stated, “We had to close the market to avoid confrontation with traders, which would have compromised the success of the operation.”
The sanitisation efforts led to the discovery of large quantities of fake and counterfeit medicines, including over 50 trailers of banned drugs dating back to 2007. Iluyomade called the situation alarming, emphasizing, “The recovery of large quantities of narcotics capable of destabilizing any nation is a clear indication of the severity of the situation.”
As the market reopens, owners of approximately 4,000 shops that were profiled and temporarily suspended will need to visit NAFDAC individually to clear themselves. Iluyomade also highlighted the poor storage conditions that had compromised the quality of legitimate medicines in the market.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo was thanked for his support in ensuring the creation of a standardized drug market with proper storage conditions.
Mr. Ndubuisi Chukwulota, Chairman of the Ogbo Ogwu Traders Association, expressed appreciation to NAFDAC for reopening the market and pledged full cooperation in eradicating fake drugs.
Dr. Afam Obidike, Anambra’s Commissioner for Health, commended both NAFDAC and the traders for their cooperation and promised continued efforts to ensure the market remains sanitised.