The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reopened the Onitsha drug market, shut since February 10, following a sweeping sanitisation operation aimed at purging the market of counterfeit and banned medicines. The closure, initially enforced to prevent clashes with traders, concluded with the seizure of over 50 trailers of illicit drugs, some dating back to 2007.
Dr. Martin Iluyomade, NAFDAC’s Director of Enugu Zone Zonal Operations, defended the controversial decision, stating, “We had to close the market to avoid confrontation with traders, which would have compromised the success of the operation.” Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria, he underscored the operation’s necessity, adding, “The recovery of large quantities of narcotics capable of destabilising any nation is a clear indication of the severity of the situation.”
The sanitisation effort exposed not only vast stockpiles of fake and banned medicines but also poor storage conditions that jeopardized the quality of legitimate drugs. As the market resumes operations, owners of approximately 4,000 profiled and suspended shops are required to report to NAFDAC individually to clear their status.
Iluyomade praised Anambra Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his support, noting the state’s commitment to establishing a modern drug market with improved storage facilities. Meanwhile, Mr. Ndubuisi Chukwulota, Chairman of the Ogbo Ogwu Traders Association, welcomed the reopening, pledging cooperation to eliminate counterfeit drugs. “We thank NAFDAC for this step and assure them of our commitment to a clean market,” he said.
Dr. Afam Obidike, Anambra’s Commissioner for Health, lauded the collaboration between NAFDAC and the traders, promising sustained efforts to maintain a sanitized system. The operation marks a significant push to safeguard public health in one of Nigeria’s busiest drug markets.