In a bold and decisive move aimed at eliminating the scourge of substandard and counterfeit medicines across the country, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sealed more than 11,000 shops in its latest nationwide enforcement action. Forty individuals have been arrested in connection with the distribution and sale of fake drugs, with the Agency promising to extend its crackdown until the drug markets are purged of illicit activities.
The enforcement operation, which began on February 10, has focused on three of Nigeria’s largest drug markets: the Idumota Market in Lagos, the Ariaria Market in Aba, and the Bridge Market in Onitsha. These markets are critical hubs for the distribution of drugs across the country, handling over 80 percent of the pharmaceutical trade in the region. In a rare display of transparency, NAFDAC’s Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, shared details of the operation during a press briefing in Lagos on Saturday.
“This is not just about shutting down shops; it is about sending a clear message that Nigeria will no longer be a haven for counterfeit drugs that threaten public health. Our fight against these criminal enterprises is far from over,” Professor Adeyeye stated emphatically.
A Year in the Making
The current operation has been in the works for over a year. NAFDAC had conducted several covert surveillance activities prior to launching the full-scale clampdown. The move comes in response to mounting concerns about the prevalence of counterfeit and unregistered drugs, which have contributed to the increasing rate of drug-related deaths and health complications in Nigeria.
Professor Adeyeye revealed that the initial phase of the operation involved evacuating over 20 trucks of substandard drugs in Aba alone, with 30 more seized in Onitsha and another 27 in Idumota. The drugs seized are said to include dangerous substances, some of which were labeled as essential medicines but were found to be completely ineffective or even harmful.
“We are making significant progress. In Aba, we have almost completed the evacuation process, and now we will begin the meticulous work of going shop by shop to inspect every operation,” Adeyeye explained.
Focus on Major Drug Markets
The three major markets targeted in this operation — Idumota, Ariaria, and Bridge Market — are notorious for being distribution points for fake drugs. The markets are vital to the economy, yet they have also become breeding grounds for counterfeit drugs that endanger lives. NAFDAC’s action aims to disrupt this trade and restore confidence in the pharmaceutical sector.
In Onitsha, NAFDAC has already sealed over 4,000 shops, with an additional 3,027 shops shut down in Lagos and 4,000 in Aba. While the figures are staggering, NAFDAC remains committed to ensuring that only registered and approved vendors remain operational in these critical markets.
“We are working diligently to identify both unregistered sellers and those who are engaging in illegal practices,” Adeyeye said. “In Onitsha, we’ve completed 20 percent of the total task. But the scope of this work is vast, and we will not rest until the job is done.”
A Collaborative Effort
One of the key components of this operation has been the collaboration between NAFDAC and the National Security Agency (NSA). Adeyeye praised the leadership of the NSA for providing critical security support to NAFDAC’s enforcement teams, which have been targeted in past operations. The most notable example of this was the near-fatal attack on NAFDAC officers during a similar operation in Onitsha three years ago.
In response to these threats, the NSA deployed a considerable number of officers to safeguard NAFDAC staff during this ongoing operation. In Onitsha alone, 400 security officers were assigned to provide protection, with additional personnel stationed in Aba and Lagos.
“Three years ago, our officers were attacked while attempting a similar operation. Thanks to the intervention of the NSA, our teams have been able to carry out their duties without fear,” Adeyeye added. “The role of the NSA has been invaluable, and we are grateful for their continued support.”
The Fight Continues
Despite the scale of the operation, Professor Adeyeye emphasized that NAFDAC’s work is far from over. The agency has vowed to continue its relentless battle against counterfeit drugs, which she claims are responsible for untold harm to the Nigerian populace. While many market traders have expressed concern over the closure of their shops, NAFDAC has made it clear that it will not compromise on its commitment to protecting public health.
“We understand the hardship these closures may cause to legitimate businesses, but the greater good is protecting the health of Nigerians,” Adeyeye stated firmly. “We are also working closely with the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN) to ensure that only those who are properly registered and compliant with regulations are allowed to continue their trade.”
The government’s focus on drug security has never been more pressing. With the global increase in counterfeit drug production and distribution, Nigerian authorities are stepping up their game to ensure that those behind this illegal trade are brought to justice. In addition to the arrests, NAFDAC has confiscated millions of Naira worth of substandard and dangerous drugs, which will be destroyed in due course.
Looking Ahead
In the coming weeks, NAFDAC plans to expand its operations to other major markets and distribution hubs across the country. The agency is also exploring partnerships with international bodies to tackle the transnational nature of the fake drug trade. With widespread public awareness campaigns, NAFDAC hopes to create a culture of zero tolerance for counterfeit drugs in Nigeria.
As the fight continues, Nigeria’s health sector faces a critical juncture. While the sealing of over 11,000 shops and the arrest of 40 individuals may seem like a monumental step, the true measure of success will be whether the country can permanently eliminate the circulation of fake drugs and restore trust in its healthcare system. The battle against counterfeit drugs is far from over, and NAFDAC has vowed to stay the course.
