Onitsha, Nigeria – A human rights group, the Civil Society Network Against Drug Abuse (CSNADA), has debunked claims by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) that the Onitsha Drug Market has been reopened. The group described NAFDAC’s announcement as misleading and accused the agency of failing to address the underlying issues that led to the market’s closure.
The controversy stems from NAFDAC’s recent statement that the Onitsha Drug Market, which was shut down in 2024 due to the sale of counterfeit and substandard drugs, has been reopened after meeting regulatory standards. However, CSNADA insists that the market remains unsafe and that NAFDAC’s actions are putting public health at risk.
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NAFDAC’s Announcement
NAFDAC had announced the reopening of the Onitsha Drug Market following what it described as a thorough inspection and compliance exercise. The agency stated that traders in the market had met the required standards for the sale of drugs and medical products.
“We have conducted a comprehensive assessment of the Onitsha Drug Market and are satisfied that the necessary measures have been put in place to ensure the safety and quality of drugs sold in the market,” said Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, Director-General of NAFDAC.
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CSNADA’s Counterclaim
In a statement issued on Sunday, CSNADA dismissed NAFDAC’s claims, stating that the market remains a hub for counterfeit and substandard drugs. The group accused NAFDAC of prioritizing economic interests over public health and called for an independent investigation into the matter.
“NAFDAC’s claim that the Onitsha Drug Market has been reopened is false and misleading. Our investigations reveal that counterfeit drugs are still being sold in the market, and the agency has failed to address the root causes of the problem,” said Dr. Gabriel Okonkwo, Executive Director of CSNADA.
The group also alleged that some NAFDAC officials were complicit in the illegal activities at the market, calling for their prosecution.
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Public Health Concerns
The Onitsha Drug Market is one of the largest drug distribution hubs in West Africa, and its operations have significant implications for public health. The sale of counterfeit and substandard drugs in the market has been linked to numerous cases of treatment failure, drug resistance, and even death.
Health experts have expressed concern over NAFDAC’s decision to reopen the market without addressing the systemic issues that enable the circulation of fake drugs.
“The reopening of the Onitsha Drug Market without proper safeguards is a recipe for disaster. NAFDAC must prioritize public health over economic interests,” said Dr. Ola Brown, a public health expert.
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Calls for Accountability
CSNADA has called on the federal government to intervene and ensure that NAFDAC fulfills its mandate of protecting public health. The group has also urged Nigerians to be vigilant and report suspicious drug practices to the appropriate authorities.
“We cannot afford to compromise on the safety and quality of drugs. The lives of millions of Nigerians are at stake, and we must hold NAFDAC accountable for its actions,” Okonkwo said.
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The controversy surrounding the reopening of the Onitsha Drug Market highlights the challenges of regulating Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector. As NAFDAC and CSNADA trade accusations, the focus must remain on ensuring the safety and quality of drugs sold in the market.
For now, the debate continues, with stakeholders calling for transparency, accountability, and a renewed commitment to public health.
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