NIGERIA: NAFDAC Reopens Onitsha Drug Market After One-Month Closure

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has reopened the Bridgehead Drug Market in Onitsha, Anambra State, after a month-long closure for regulatory enforcement and sanitization.

This development was disclosed in a press statement revealed by the agency on Tuesday on its official X handle.

The market, which includes Ogbo Ogwu and three adjoining markets, was shut down from February 10 to March 7, 2025, due to concerns over non-compliance with medicine distribution regulations.

To prevent a recurrence of the issues that led to the shutdown, NAFDAC has imposed strict administrative conditions before reopening.

According to the statement, shop owners were required to complete documentation and clearance procedures to ensure compliance.

A dedicated NAFDAC desk was also set up to facilitate the process efficiently.

Speaking on the development, NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, emphasized that only shop owners who meet the stipulated conditions will be allowed to operate.

She stated: “The market has now been reopened, with all shop owners directed through their union to obtain and sign an undertaking, along with a penalty for past violations of distribution regulations. Only shops that meet these conditions will be allowed to resume operations.’

The statement further reiterated that the agency remains committed to ensuring that all drug distribution channels comply with strict safety and regulatory standards.

NAFDAC also acknowledged the cooperation of the market leadership and the Anambra State Government in facilitating this regulatory intervention.