Business
NAFDAC Reopens Anambra Drug Market After a Successful Sanitation Campaign
By Mary Obi
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has announced the reopening of the Ogbo-Ogwu Drug Market in Onitsha, Anambra State, following a comprehensive sanitation operation that lasted a month.
The Market’s reopening would take effect on Friday, March 7, 2025.
Dr. Martins Iluyomade, the South-East Zonal Director of NAFDAC, made the announcement during a stakeholders’ meeting on Thursday, which included state government officials led by Health Commissioner Dr. Afam Ben Obidike, and leaders of the market. The closure, initiated on February 10, was part of an extensive enforcement operation that revealed alarming levels of counterfeit and expired drugs.
During the three-week enforcement exercise, NAFDAC uncovered over 50 trailer loads of fake medications and large quantities of narcotics, which could destabilize public health across the nation. Iluyomade reported that a total of about 4,000 shops were sealed for various offenses, and those shop owners will need to present themselves to NAFDAC for clearance before reopening. The estimated value of the confiscated drugs was no less than N1 trillion.
Iluyomade acknowledged the support of Anambra State Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, who played a key role in advocating for safer market conditions. He emphasized that the reopening marks a consensus with market leaders who have committed to refraining from selling substandard and expired products to ensure the safety of the public.
He noted that while the market is reopening, NAFDAC will continue its enforcement efforts to maintain the integrity of drug safety in the area, ensuring proper storage conditions to protect the quality of legitimate medications.
Mr. Ndubuisi Chukwulota, Chairman of the Ogbo-Ogwu Traders Association, expressed gratitude towards NAFDAC for the market’s reopening and pledged cooperation in eradicating fake drugs. He urged traders to adhere strictly to the terms of the agreement with the agency.
