Anambra Government Calls for End to NAFDAC-Onitsha Drug Market Dispute

May 31, 2025

—

By Charles Maduka

The Anambra State Government has urged a peaceful resolution to the ongoing dispute between the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control and traders at the Ogbo-Ogwu Drug Market in Onitsha over the market’s closure and conditions for reopening.

The conflict began after NAFDAC, led by its South-East Zonal Director, Martins Iluyomade, shut down the market on February 15, 2025, following the discovery of over 10 truckloads of counterfeit drugs reportedly worth N1 trillion. The seized products were later destroyed at the ASWAMA dump site in Awka.

In response, affected traders condemned the operation, labeling it excessive and unjust. They alleged that NAFDAC demanded N700,000 from each shop owner as a condition for reopening, and claimed that over 1,000 shop owners had already paid the fee. Representing themselves under the United Nigeria Group, the traders filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Awka, asking the court to protect their fundamental rights and order the immediate reopening of the market.

NAFDAC, however, denied accusations of extortion, maintaining that all charges were based on lawful, federally approved procedures.

Reacting to the escalating tensions, the Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, called for calm and dialogue between both parties. He confirmed that state officials had met with the NAFDAC zonal leadership in efforts to resolve the issue.

Mefor noted that as of March 7, 2025, the majority of shops had been reopened, with only about five percent still closed. He acknowledged that some traders continued to avoid profiling by the agency due to concerns about affordability and transparency of the imposed fines.

“The government wants all shops reopened as soon as possible,” Mefor said. “We appeal to both parties to work together and bring this to an end. If the fine is unlawful, traders know the right steps to take. If lawful, NAFDAC should consider a more humane approach.”

He also assured both sides that plans were underway to relocate the drug market to a centralized pharmaceutical hub in the Oba area of the state, which would address issues related to inadequate storage facilities.