By DAYO ADESULU
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration (NAFDAC) will today, February 26, 2025, unseal all sections of Ariaria International Market, Eziukwu Market, and Tenant Road Drug Market in Abia State that were previously shut down due to their alleged involvement in the sale of fake and expired drugs.
However, shops found guilty of selling adulterated products will remain sealed, according to government sources.
Why NAFDAC Sealed the Markets
NAFDAC had earlier shut down these markets as part of its nationwide crackdown on counterfeit drugs, aimed at protecting public health and preventing the circulation of substandard pharmaceutical products.
The agency has intensified its efforts in recent months, conducting raids in major drug markets across Nigeria, including Aba, Onitsha (Anambra), and Idumota (Lagos). These operations have resulted in the confiscation of tens of truckloads of fake and adulterated medicines, which pose serious health risks to unsuspecting consumers.
Governor Otti Secures Reopening After Negotiations
The decision to reopen the non-culpable sections of the affected markets follows intense discussions between NAFDAC and Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti.
In a statement released by Otti’s Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, the Abia State Government reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating fake and expired drugs from the market and ensuring that those responsible for their distribution face strict legal consequences.
“The Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, has after prolonged discussions and engagements with the authorities of NAFDAC at the highest level secured the commitment of the agency to reopen all sections of Ariaria International Market, Eziukwu Market, and Tenant Road Drug Market that have been investigated and proven not to be involved in the production and selling of adulterated, expired, and fake drugs.”
The official reopening exercise will be carried out today, February 26, 2025, by the NAFDAC Director, South-East Zone.
Fake Drug Sellers to Face Legal Consequences
While non-culpable businesses will be allowed to resume operations, shops found guilty of selling fake and expired drugs will remain permanently closed.
NAFDAC has vowed to prosecute offenders and impose severe penalties on individuals or businesses engaged in the illegal trade of counterfeit pharmaceuticals.
“The shops found culpable in these wicked and dangerous dealings will remain sealed until the perpetrators are brought to justice,” the statement added.
“The Abia State Government frowns at the practice of producing or selling poisonous substances to citizens in the name of business. We will continue to partner with NAFDAC until Abia is completely cleared of fake, adulterated, and expired drugs, and the culprits are arrested and made to face the full weight of the law.”
NAFDAC’s Nationwide Crackdown on Fake Drugs
In recent years, NAFDAC has intensified its regulatory and enforcement activities to eliminate counterfeit drugs across Nigeria.
In addition to the Aba raids, NAFDAC has conducted similar operations in Onitsha and Lagos, resulting in the seizure of millions of naira worth of fake drugs. The agency has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy on counterfeit pharmaceuticals and warned that offenders will face strict legal repercussions.
The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has repeatedly emphasized the agency’s commitment to protecting Nigerians from the dangers of substandard medicines. She stated that the agency will continue to collaborate with law enforcement agencies, market associations, and state governments to ensure that fake drug traders are prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Public Health Concerns and the Danger of Fake Drugs
Health experts and regulatory bodies have continuously raised concerns about the dangers posed by fake and substandard drugs, which can lead to:
- Drug resistance (ineffectiveness of medication over time)
- Severe health complications such as organ failure
- Increased mortality rates due to ineffective treatment
- Economic loss for consumers who unknowingly purchase counterfeit medicines
NAFDAC urges Nigerians to exercise caution when purchasing drugs by ensuring they buy only from licensed pharmacies and registered medical stores.
The agency has also set up dedicated hotlines and complaint channels for individuals to report suspicious drug sales and unethical pharmacy practices.
Government and NAFDAC’s Call to Action
The government is urging pharmaceutical vendors, drug distributors, and market traders to comply with NAFDAC regulations and uphold the highest standards of drug safety.
In addition, Governor Otti has pledged to support and work closely with NAFDAC to ensure that Abia State becomes completely free from fake, adulterated, and expired drugs.
The governor’s office has assured traders in the pharmaceutical sector that the government will continue to support legitimate businesses while clamping down on criminal activities.
Conclusion
As NAFDAC continues its nationwide war against counterfeit drugs, Nigerians are urged to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and support the government’s efforts to safeguard public health.
The reopening of Ariaria International Market, Eziukwu Market, and Tenant Road Drug Market today marks a significant step in the battle against fake pharmaceuticals by NAFDAC, but the fight is far from over. Stricter regulations and sustained enforcement efforts will be necessary to ensure long-term success in eradicating counterfeit medicines from the Nigerian market.
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By DAYO ADESULU, online editor.
