Victor EzejaThe National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has ordered an immediate shutdown of the Gomboru drug market in Maiduguri, Borno State, due to flooding that compromised drugs that were sun-dried and prepared for resale by dealers.
A statement posted on NAFDAC’s X handle on Thursday, 19th September, said the agency’s Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, ordered immediate closure of the drug market and removal of compromised drugs.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe agency said the action was taken to forestall any public health problem that may arise from the sale of such compromised medicines.
“After the recent flooding in Maiduguri that submerged the Gomboru drug market where contaminated drugs were washed and sun-dried for resale, the NAFDAC DG, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, ordered the immediate closure of the market to conduct a thorough shop-to-shop removal of these compromised drugs,” NAFDAC stated.
Some videos shared on NAFDAC’s X handle showed the agency’s officials ransacking shops in the market and removing drugs destroyed by the flood water.
Economic and Health Impact of the Maiduguri Flood
Prime Business Africa reports that the last week’s flood which affected over 70 per cent of the areas in Maiduguri, displaced over 400,000 people. The flood disaster was caused by overflow of the Alau Dam located along the Nagada River, which is a tributary of the larger Yedzeram River that flows into the Lake Chad.
READ ALSO: Maiduguri Flood Claims 30 Lives, Displaces Over 400,000
The raging water submerged many homes, schools, business centres and public institutions forcing residents to relocate to internally displaced persons camps for temporary shelter.
While the flood water has started receding, it has left a trail of significant impacts as people have lost property worth millions of naira.
There are reports of traders in various markets affected by the flood lamenting about heavy losses due to the disaster.
Aside from economic losses, there are concerns about the spread of diseases due to the flood.
Government response
In response to the public health threats posed by the incident, the Federal Government through the Ministry of Environment has deployed a team of experts to Borno State to collaborate with the State Government in addressing the impacts of the flood.
READ ALSO: Nigeria’s Flooding Crisis: A Pathway To Health Disaster
According to a statement by Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, not less than 100 drums of 40kg chlorine has been sent to Borno State to disinfect water sources, as a way of ensuring safe drinking water and preventing waterborne diseases such as cholera.
The minister further stated that the Ministry will also “deploy 30,000 flyers with a view to sensitise the public on best sanitation and hygiene practices which includes proper waste disposal, frequent handwashing and personal hygiene with a view to reducing the spread of infections.”
He added that “Beyond immediate short term response, the Ministry will also work closely with Borno State Government to develop comprehensive flood mitigation strategies and early warning mechanisms to safeguard against future recurrences.
“We will also explore avenues for collaboration with international partners to strengthen the State’s capacity for disaster risk management and climate adaptation.”
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
