NAFDAC clears 3,500 shops to reopen at Onitsha drug market
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has announced that 3,500 shops have been cleared to resume business at the Onitsha drug market, refuting reports of a total market closure. During a press briefing in Lagos, NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, clarified that the February 2025 raid was part of […]
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has announced that 3,500 shops have been cleared to resume business at the Onitsha drug market, refuting reports of a total market closure.
During a press briefing in Lagos, NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, clarified that the February 2025 raid was part of ongoing enforcement efforts targeting illicit drug operations in open markets.
She explained that over 6,000 shops were screened, and 2,500 shop owners completed the necessary regulatory procedures and paid investigative charges, allowing them to reopen as of March 9, 2025.
“The market was reopened on March 9, and over 3,500 shops belonging to compliant traders resumed operations in Ogbogwu market,” she said.
Prof. Adeyeye dismissed rumours of market closure, attributing the misinformation to individuals involved in the illegal sale and production of counterfeit drugs, especially narcotics.
She reiterated the agency’s commitment to protecting public health and enhancing pharmaceutical trade standards in Nigeria.
“NAFDAC stands firm to protect our people. We must not allow counterfeit drugs to destroy lives or our ability to compete in the global pharmaceutical market,” she added.