NAFDAC Provides Clarification On Reopening Of Onitsha Medicine Market

NAFDAC Provides Clarification On Reopening Of Onitsha Medicine Market

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has clarified that the Bridgehead medicine market in Onitsha was reopened on March 7, following a temporary closure for thorough sanitization.

Dr. Martins Iluyomade, NAFDAC’s Southeast Director, made this known during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday…READ MORE…

The agency had previously shut down the Ogbo Ogwu and three adjacent markets from February 10 to March 7 to address issues related to the medicine distribution system.

According to Iluyomade, shop owners were required to meet specific administrative conditions before their sealed shops could be reopened. This measure was designed to prevent a recurrence of the problems that led to the initial closure.

He emphasized that pharmaceuticals are strictly regulated due to their significant impact on public health and national security, noting that NAFDAC’s mandate under the NAFDAC Act is to regulate and oversee the sale and distribution of drugs.

Contrary to reports from some media outlets, Iluyomade clarified that the market had not been permanently closed. Instead, the ongoing process involves documenting and regularizing the shops to ensure compliance. He stressed that no shop would be reopened without completing the necessary clearance procedures.

To streamline this process, NAFDAC has established a special desk to assist shop owners in meeting the required standards efficiently.

Iluyomade expressed gratitude to the market leadership and the Anambra State Government for their support and cooperation throughout the process. He also stated that NAFDAC had no knowledge of any internal conflicts within the market.