The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has confirmed that 3,500 shops have been authorized to reopen at the Onitsha drug market, dismissing claims that the entire market was shut down.
At a press conference in Lagos, NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, explained that the February 2025 raid was part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on illegal drug activities in open markets. She noted that more than 6,000 shops were inspected, with 2,500 shop owners completing the required regulatory processes and paying investigative fees, enabling them to reopen from March 9, 2025. “The market reopened on March 9, and more than 3,500 shops operated by compliant traders resumed business in Ogbogwu market,” she stated.
Prof. Adeyeye rejected claims of a full market closure, blaming the false reports on those involved in the illicit sale and manufacturing of counterfeit drugs, particularly narcotics.
She emphasized the agency’s dedication to safeguarding public health and improving standards within Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector.“NAFDAC remains committed to protecting our citizens. We cannot allow counterfeit drugs to harm lives or weaken our position in the global pharmaceutical industry,” she concluded.
Source : https://dailytrust.com/
