The Anambra State Government has urged an immediate resolution to the ongoing standoff between the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and traders at the Ogbo-Ogwu Drug Market in Onitsha over the market’s continued partial closure.
The dispute began after NAFDAC, led by its South-East Zonal Director, Martins Iluyomade, shut down the market on February 15, 2025. This followed the discovery of over 10 truckloads of counterfeit drugs valued at approximately ₦1 trillion. The seized items were subsequently destroyed at the ASWAMA dump site in Awka, the state capital.
Traders affected by the shutdown strongly condemned NAFDAC’s action, calling it “scandalous, outrageous, and reprehensible.” They further alleged that the agency had imposed a ₦700,000 fine on each shop before allowing them to reopen. According to the traders, over 1,000 shop owners have already paid the controversial fee.
Operating under the umbrella of the United Nigeria Group, the aggrieved traders have taken legal action by filing a suit against NAFDAC at the Federal High Court in Awka. They are seeking the enforcement of their fundamental rights, including the immediate reopening of all affected shops.
NAFDAC, however, has denied allegations of extortion and arbitrary penalties, insisting that all charges levied are in line with federal regulations and legally sanctioned.
In response to the escalating tension, the Anambra State Government, through its Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, called for calm and mutual cooperation. He revealed that state officials have been in talks with NAFDAC’s regional leadership to mediate the conflict and find a peaceful resolution.
Dr. Mefor clarified that contrary to public perception, 95% of shops in the market have already reopened since March 7, 2025, with only a small fraction still under lock. He acknowledged traders’ complaints about the financial burden of the fines and fears of being profiled by the agency.
“The government is committed to seeing all shops reopened without delay,” Mefor stated. “We urge both NAFDAC and the affected traders to cooperate and bring this dispute to an end.”
He added, “If the fine is indeed lawful, we appeal to NAFDAC to apply it with a human face. If not, the traders are well within their rights to seek redress through legal means.”
The commissioner also assured stakeholders that a permanent solution is underway, noting that plans are in progress to relocate the market to a centralized drug distribution hub in Oba, which will provide better storage and regulatory oversight.