The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has officially reopened the Onitsha Drug Market and surrounding markets after nearly a month of closure.
The announcement was made on Thursday by Mr. Martins Iluyomade, the South-East Zonal Director of NAFDAC, following a meeting with representatives from the Anambra State government and market unions. Business is set to resume on Friday.
The closure, which began early last month, extended to other nearby markets including those selling plumbing materials, timber, surgical supplies, and science laboratory materials, as part of NAFDAC’s efforts to combat the trade of illicit drugs.
Iluyomade addressed market leaders and government officials, explaining that the closure was necessary not only for the Ogbogwu drug market but also for the surrounding markets due to the widespread presence of illegal substances.
“Although it seemed like we were penalizing markets that had no direct involvement with drugs, our findings showed that many other markets were just as implicated,” Iluyomade stated.
“We had to act decisively to prevent further contamination of drug supplies nationwide.”
He also recalled a past incident where NAFDAC officials faced violence during a raid, underscoring that the closure was essential to avoid further conflict and to ensure proper sanitation of the markets.
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Iluyomade expressed appreciation for Governor Soludo’s support in the initiative, despite some ethnic concerns, and emphasized that the battle against fake drugs transcended any ethnic lines.
The Zonal Director revealed that NAFDAC had seized over 50 trailers of fake and substandard drugs, with many more still in storage.
He highlighted the alarming volume of narcotics found, warning that such substances could destabilize any country.
He also pointed out the illegal practice of repackaging substandard drugs and selling banned medications, some of which have been prohibited since 2007 for causing cancer.
Further inspections uncovered unsafe storage conditions for even legitimate drugs, which were kept in poorly ventilated, improperly controlled environments, rendering them ineffective or dangerous.
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“We are not here to make life difficult for traders,” Iluyomade clarified. “Our goal is to protect public health by ensuring fake drugs are eradicated, and we will continue to take necessary actions.”
As part of the reopening, approximately 4,000 shops will remain closed until their owners provide satisfactory explanations for the illegal drugs found in their premises.
The market union leaders have pledged to assist NAFDAC in identifying traders involved in illicit activities.
Iluyomade also warned that any future violations would lead to another closure of the markets, and reiterated that attacks on NAFDAC officials would not be tolerated.
