The National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has officially announced the reopening of the Onitsha Drug Market, one of the largest drug markets in Nigeria, following a month-long closure. The reopening, which took place on Thursday, March 6, 2025, also includes the adjacent markets, which were shut down in response to concerns over the sale of fake and substandard drugs.
The decision to reopen the market came after a crucial meeting between NAFDAC officials, the Anambra State Government, and leaders of various market unions. According to NAFDAC’s South East Zonal Director, Mr. Martins Iluyomade, business in the affected markets will resume on Friday, March 7, 2025.
The closure of the Onitsha Drug Market, along with other neighboring markets like the Plumbing Timber Market and the Science Laboratory Materials Market, was part of NAFDAC’s ongoing efforts to combat the widespread circulation of counterfeit drugs. These efforts had intensified in the past year after a series of incidents where NAFDAC officers faced resistance while carrying out their duties.
Background and Reasons for the Closure
The market’s closure was initially triggered by NAFDAC’s discovery of large quantities of fake and substandard drugs. This included narcotics like tramadol and codeine, as well as other medicines that had been banned due to their harmful effects on health. Iluyomade revealed that the agency had confiscated over 50 trailers loaded with these dangerous substances, which posed serious threats to public health.
“We saw medicines that had been banned as far back as 2007, yet people were still stocking them. These drugs have been linked to severe health risks, including cancer,” Iluyomade explained. He further highlighted that some of these drugs were being stored improperly, causing them to lose their effectiveness or even become harmful.
A major issue raised by NAFDAC was the deliberate importation and distribution of drugs without proper labeling or registration. Iluyomade revealed that some traders were bringing in unmarked tablets, which were later repackaged and sold to unsuspecting buyers. Others were storing drugs in unsafe conditions, with some being kept in hot, poorly ventilated warehouses, despite clear instructions for storage at controlled temperatures.
Government and Public Response
The closure of the Onitsha Drug Market led to a mix of reactions from the public, with some people expressing concerns about the impact on legitimate businesses. However, both NAFDAC and the Anambra State Government emphasized the need for strong action to protect public health. Governor Charles Soludo’s office expressed full support for NAFDAC’s operations, with the state’s health officials acknowledging that addressing fake drugs is crucial for improving healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
Dr. Afam Obidike, the Anambra State Commissioner for Health, praised NAFDAC’s efforts, stating, “Sanitizing the drug trade saves more lives than hospitals. The lives that NAFDAC has saved so far through this exercise are more than what hospitals save.” He also commended the traders who cooperated with NAFDAC during the enforcement operation, noting that their support had been instrumental in the success of the operation.
At the meeting, market union leaders expressed their satisfaction with the reopening of the market. They pledged to work closely with NAFDAC to identify and root out traders involved in the sale of illegal drugs. Mr. Ndubuisi Chukwuleta, the Chairman of Ogbogwu Market, which is part of the Onitsha Drug Market, expressed his gratitude for NAFDAC’s intervention, acknowledging that the market’s efforts to tackle fake drugs on its own had been insufficient. “Only a few people were causing this suffering for us, but thank God you are here now,” Chukwuleta said.
Similarly, Mr. Chikodili Ejiofor, the Chairman of the Plumbing Materials Market, expressed shock at the discovery of drugs such as tramadol and codeine in his market. “I don’t deal in drugs; my market is for plumbing materials,” Ejiofor said. “I was shocked at the number of drugs found in my market.”
Iluyomade emphasized that NAFDAC remains fully committed to eliminating fake and substandard drugs from the Nigerian market. He explained that the agency had already invested significant resources into the ongoing operation and would continue to pursue those responsible for the illegal trade. He also cautioned market traders that NAFDAC would not hesitate to close the market again if any further issues arose.
“We must take our healthcare delivery seriously. If anything like this happens again, we will close the market, and we will never allow any attack on our officers,” Iluyomade warned. As part of the measures to ensure safety, NAFDAC will keep about 4,000 shops locked until their owners come forward to explain the drugs found in their premises.
The reopening of the Onitsha Drug Market represents a critical step forward in NAFDAC’s battle against the sale of counterfeit drugs. However, the agency has made it clear that traders must comply with the agency’s regulations. Union leaders have pledged to continue cooperating with NAFDAC to ensure the market remains free of illegal drugs and that customers are able to buy safe, effective medications.
The market’s closure, though a difficult decision for many, has served as a wake-up call to the dangers posed by fake drugs and the critical role of regulatory agencies like NAFDAC in protecting public health. With ongoing efforts from both the government and market unions, there is hope that the Onitsha Drug Market can be sanitized and transformed into a safe space for legitimate trade, free from the threat of counterfeit substances that have long plagued Nigeria’s healthcare system.
