Outrage In Ogbo-Ogwu Market, Onitsha, As NAFDAC Officials Seize Registered Foreign Drugs, Destroy Goods Worth Millions; Traders Seek Government Intervention
By Oge Onyeanusi Onitsha
Traders at the popular Ogbo-Ogwu market in Onitsha, located in Onitsha South LGA of Anambra State are expressing deep frustration over the actions of officials from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
They are also raising alarm over what they describe as unjust and forceful enforcement by the NAFDAC officials, who recently stormed the market and confiscated foreign drugs that were properly registered in the United Kingdom, the United States, and other countries.
The traders accused the NAFDAC officials of breaking into their shops in their absence, seizing properly registered foreign drugs, and damaging goods worth millions of naira.
According to eyewitnesses, the raid was carried out without prior notice, and many shop owners returned to find their businesses in disarray. “NAFDAC officials came like invaders, broke our locks, and packed away our drugs, even the ones fully registered in the UK and USA,” a distraught trader recounted.
“They did not even wait for us to be present. They acted like thieves instead of law enforcers.”
The traders lamented that instead of focusing on unregistered Nigerian drugs and expired medications that pose serious health risks, the officials targeted their legally imported stock, leading to massive financial losses.
According to some affected traders, the seized drugs had valid certifications and were in compliance with international standards. “We don’t understand why NAFDAC is after us in this manner.
Another trader lamented the destruction of goods, saying, “They scattered our shops, breaking shelves and cartons of medicine.
Many of our products were either taken away or left damaged beyond use. We have lost millions of naira in this reckless raid.”
Many traders are now calling on the government and relevant authorities to intervene, urging NAFDAC to direct its regulatory efforts toward ensuring the safety of drugs rather than disrupting the pharmaceutical business with questionable enforcement actions.
They also demand compensation for their losses and a review of the agency’s enforcement strategies to prevent further damage to their livelihoods.
As tensions rise in the market, stakeholders are demanding transparency in NAFDAC’s operations, warning that such actions could cripple legitimate businesses and limit access to quality medicines for Nigerians.
Add Comment