The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has announced the reopening of the Onitsha Drug Market and other adjacent markets after nearly a month of closure.
The closure was part of the agency’s efforts to combat illicit drug trade.
The markets, including the plumbing materials, timber, surgical materials, and science laboratory materials markets, were temporarily shut down after the discovery of fake and substandard drugs.
NAFDAC’s South-East Zonal Director, Mr. Martins Iluyomade, addressed the market union leaders and government officials, explaining that the closure was necessary to address the widespread presence of illicit drugs across the markets.
He acknowledged that while the closure affected other legitimate businesses, the agency’s actions were crucial to prevent the distribution of harmful and dangerous drugs that posed a threat to public health.
Iluyomade revealed that over 50 trailers of fake drugs had been confiscated, with narcotics and substandard drugs contributing to insecurity in the region. He also discussed the improper storage of drugs in the markets, which rendered many medicines ineffective and dangerous.
The market will reopen on Friday, but about 4,000 shops will remain locked until their owners provide explanations for certain drugs found in their possession.
The market union leaders have pledged to cooperate with NAFDAC to identify traders continuing to deal in illegal drugs. NAFDAC emphasized that any further violations could result in the market’s closure once again.