NAFDAC Reopens Onitsha Drug Market, Seizes 50 trailers Of Illicit Drugs

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reopened the Onitsha Drug Market and nearby markets after nearly a month-long closure. The agency shut down the markets as part of its fight against fake and substandard drugs.

Martins Iluyomade, NAFDAC’s South East Zonal Director, announced the decision after a meeting with Anambra State officials and market leaders. He confirmed that business activities would resume on Friday.

Why NAFDAC Shut Down the Markets

NAFDAC closed the Onitsha Drug Market and several others, including the plumbing materials market, timber market, and surgical materials market. The agency discovered large quantities of illegal drugs in these markets, raising concerns about public health.

Iluyomade explained that the action extended beyond the main drug market because fake medicines were found in multiple locations. He stated “What we found in other adjoining markets was just as much as we found in Ogbogwu Market. If we had not taken these steps, we would not have uncovered the extent of the problem.”

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Findings in the Market

During the operation, NAFDAC seized over 50 trailers of fake and substandard medicines. Many of these drugs were stored in poor conditions, making them dangerous for consumption. Some medicines had been banned since 2007, yet traders continued to sell them.

Iluyomade expressed concern over the presence of narcotics in the market, stating “The volume of narcotics we found here is enough to destabilise any nation. There is a link between the circulation of narcotics and insecurity.”

NAFDAC’s Commitment to Safe Drug Distribution

NAFDAC’s Director-General closely monitored the operation, ensuring that necessary actions were taken to rid the market of fake drugs. Iluyomade emphasised that the agency was determined to eliminate counterfeit medicines across Nigeria.

The agency also raised concerns over storage conditions. Many shops lacked ventilation, which could cause medicines to lose their effectiveness before their expiry dates. Iluyomade gave an example of a labour-inducing drug stored in a plumbing materials market under extreme heat, even though the packaging recommended storage at 2-8 degrees Celsius.

4,000 Shops to Remain Closed

Although NAFDAC has reopened the market, around 4,000 shops will remain shut until their owners meet with the agency. Traders whose shops were sealed must explain the presence of certain drugs before they can resume business.

Iluyomade warned that any future attacks on NAFDAC officials would lead to another closure of the market. He reminded traders that during a past operation, agency staff were assaulted, and a federal officer was stripped naked for carrying out his duty.

Market Leaders and Government Support NAFDAC

Market leaders welcomed the decision to reopen but pledged to work with NAFDAC to prevent the return of illegal drugs. Chairman of the Ogbogwu Market, Ndubuisi Chukwuleta, expressed his support for the agency’s efforts “Before now, we tried to check fake drugs in our own way, but now that NAFDAC is involved, our duty is much easier. We will report any illegal activity to them.”

Anambra State officials, including the Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, also pledged support for NAFDAC’s actions. He highlighted the impact of removing fake drugs from circulation “Sanitising drug trade saves more lives than hospitals do. The number of lives saved through this exercise is greater than what hospitals achieve daily.”

NAFDAC’s Warning to Traders

NAFDAC has urged traders to report any suspicious activities to prevent the market from being shut down again. The agency assured that it was not out to punish anyone but was committed to protecting public health.

As the markets reopen, traders must comply with regulations to ensure the safety of medicines sold to the public. The agency remains firm in its fight against fake drugs, warning that any future violations will lead to stricter actions.