The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has announced the reopening of the Onitsha Head Bridge drug market, commonly known as ‘Ogbo Ogwu,’ after a month-long closure for regulatory enforcement and sanitisation.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, emphasized that shop owners must comply with stringent administrative conditions before resuming operations. The agency took these measures to prevent a recurrence of the infractions that led to the market’s shutdown.
Compliance Requirements for Shop Owners
NAFDAC has mandated that all shop owners complete documentation and clearance procedures before their shops can be unsealed. To streamline the process and ensure adherence to regulatory standards, the agency has established a dedicated NAFDAC desk within the market.
Prof. Adeyeye reiterated that only shops that meet the stipulated conditions will be permitted to resume business. She further stated that all traders, through their union, must sign an undertaking, acknowledging compliance with NAFDAC’s distribution regulations. Additionally, penalties will be imposed on those found to have violated these regulations in the past.
Background on Market Closure
The Onitsha Head Bridge drug market was previously closed as part of NAFDAC’s crackdown on the sale of counterfeit and expired drugs. The agency took decisive action to rid the market of illegal pharmaceutical activities, ensuring public health safety. With the implementation of these new regulatory measures, NAFDAC aims to maintain order and uphold the integrity of drug distribution in the region.
The agency reassured the public that it remains committed to enforcing strict compliance within the pharmaceutical sector and will continue monitoring the market to prevent future violations.
