NAFDAC Reopens Sealed Sections of Ariaria International Market, Eziukwu Market, and Tenant Road Drugs Markets in Abia State After Crackdown on Fake and Expired DrugsThe National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is set to reopen the sealed sections of Ariaria International Market, Eziukwu Market, and Tenant Road drugs markets in Abia State on February 26, 2025. This decision comes after intense negotiations between NAFDAC and Governor Alex Otti.
The markets were initially sealed in January due to alleged involvement in dispensing fake and expired drugs. However, after investigations, it was agreed that only shops proven not to be involved in the production and sale of adulterated, expired, and fake drugs would be reopened. Shops found culpable will remain sealed until the perpetrators face justice.
NAFDAC has been actively cracking down on fake and adulterated drugs across the country, evacuating tens of truckloads from Aba, Onitsha, and Idumota in Lagos State. The agency has vowed to deal with perpetrators, and the Abia State government has pledged to support NAFDAC in eliminating fake and adulterated products from the state.
Governor Alex Otti has secured the commitment of NAFDAC to reopen the markets, ensuring that only legitimate businesses operate in the state. The Chief Press Secretary to the Abia State Governor, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, warned that those involved in the production and marketing of fake drugs would be decisively dealt with.
The Abia State government is committed to supporting NAFDAC in its efforts to eradicate fake and adulterated products from the state. The government has pledged to work closely with NAFDAC to ensure that the markets are safe and free from counterfeit products.
The reopening of the markets is expected to boost economic activities in the state, while also ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens. NAFDAC’s efforts to combat fake and adulterated drugs are crucial in protecting public health and safety.
According to the statement, “The Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti has after prolonged discussions and engagements with the authorities of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration (NAFDAC) at the highest level secured the commitment of the Agency to reopen/unseal all the sections of Ariaria International Market, Eziukwu Market and Tenant Road Drug Market who have been investigated and proven not to be involved in the production and selling of adulterated, expired and fake drugs including consumable products to the public.
“The reopening/unsealing exercise will be performed by the NAFDAC Director, South-East Zone on the 26th day of February, 2025. The shops found culpable in the wicked, callous and unholy dealings will remain sealed and under lock and key until the perpetrators are brought to justice or justice is taken to them.”
“The Abia State Government frowns at the practice of producing or selling poisonous substance to the citizens in the name of business and will continue to partner and support NAFDAC until the State is completely cleared of fake, adulterated and expired drugs including other consumable products and the culprits arrested to face the full weight of the law,” it further read.
Source : https://saharareporters.com/
