The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has lifted the month-long shutdown of the Onitsha Drug Market and neighboring markets.
Business activities are set to resume on Friday, following a series of discussions between the agency, the Anambra State government, and market union leaders.
NAFDAC’s South-East Zonal Director, Martins Iluyomade, confirmed the decision on Thursday, emphasizing that the closure was necessary to combat the sale of illicit drugs.
The shutdown, which began early last month, also affected the plumbing materials market, timber market, surgical materials market, and science laboratory materials market.
Iluyomade clarified that the agency’s action was not targeted solely at the Ogbogwu Drug Market but extended to surrounding markets where illegal pharmaceuticals were discovered.
Extent of the problem
He revealed that a significant quantity of counterfeit and substandard drugs was found across multiple markets, contradicting claims that only the drug market was involved.
“We did not initially respond to criticisms, but our investigation uncovered illicit drugs in all the affected markets. What we seized in other locations was just as concerning as what was found in Ogbogwu,” he explained.
He recalled that previous enforcement efforts had been met with violent resistance, including an attack on NAFDAC officials. The agency had to implement a total lockdown to prevent potential conflicts and ensure thorough inspections.
“This market plays a crucial role in drug distribution nationwide. Any contamination here could have widespread consequences.
“The Federal Government is committed to sanitizing the market, and Governor Chukwuma Soludo has been supportive of the effort,” Iluyomade said.
Findings and public health concerns
Iluyomade disclosed that over 50 trailers of fake and substandard drugs had been confiscated, with additional stockpiles still under investigation.
He warned that the large volume of seized narcotics posed a security risk, as drug abuse is often linked to instability in societies.
“The quantity of narcotics found here is enough to destabilize any nation. Many of those dealing in these substances are fully aware of their impact but continue because it’s highly profitable,” he added.
The agency also discovered that some traders were repackaging unregistered drugs and selling medications banned since 2007.
Many of these drugs, Iluyomade noted, were prohibited due to their links to cancer and other severe health risks.
Another major concern was improper drug storage. The agency found medicines stored in extreme conditions, reducing their efficacy long before their expiration dates.
Some warehouses lacked ventilation, and drugs requiring cold storage were kept in hot environments.
“A drug meant for women in labor was found in a warehouse at the plumbing materials market, despite instructions that it should be stored between 2-8 degrees Celsius. Such negligence endangers lives,” Iluyomade stressed.
Conditions for reopening
Despite reopening the markets, NAFDAC has ordered that around 4,000 shops remain sealed until their owners provide explanations for the questionable drugs found inside.
The agency has also placed notices on certain shops, requiring the traders to report to NAFDAC for further investigation.
Iluyomade warned that any recurrence of illegal drug sales would lead to another closure and cautioned against any form of attack on enforcement officers.
Market union leaders welcomed the decision to reopen the markets and assured the agency of their commitment to identifying and reporting traders involved in illicit drug sales.
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