Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, has defended the recent closure of several markets in the state by security operatives and regulatory agencies. Addressing concerns about the shutdown, Soludo emphasized that his visit to the affected areas was purely interventionist, given that drug-related regulations fall under the jurisdiction of the federal government.
During his assessment, the governor sought to understand why markets adjacent to the Ọgbọ Ọgwụ drug market, which was sealed for selling illicit and counterfeit pharmaceuticals, were also shut down. He disclosed that market leaders informed him of alarming discoveries made by security and regulatory agencies in the nearby plumbing materials market. According to Soludo, authorities found cartons of counterfeit and controlled drugs in some shops—many of which had been banned globally due to safety concerns.
In response to public outcry, particularly from political figures advocating for an immediate reopening of the markets, Soludo urged the public to disregard what he termed as media sensationalism. His remarks came shortly after Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, repeatedly called for the reopening of the markets, citing the negative economic impact on law-abiding traders.
However, Governor Soludo maintained that ensuring public safety and eliminating the circulation of counterfeit drugs must take priority. He called on the federal government to tighten its control over drug imports and distribution to prevent such illegal substances from reaching local markets.
Despite backing the market closures, Soludo assured affected traders that his administration was working towards a quick resolution. He directed authorities to expedite the ongoing investigation and screening process at the plumbing materials market, allowing traders to resume operations within ten days.
“As the largest open drug market in Africa, it is no surprise that the Ọgbọ Ọgwụ market and its surroundings attract periodic scrutiny from regulatory agencies,” Soludo stated. “While it is crucial to rid our country of fake and counterfeit drugs, the supply chain must be addressed at its roots. How these banned substances continue to be produced overseas, pass through our ports, and infiltrate local markets is a serious concern that needs urgent federal intervention.”
To curb the sale of substandard pharmaceuticals in Anambra, Soludo highlighted his administration’s ongoing efforts to develop a coordinated wholesale drug center in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area. This facility, he said, will provide a controlled environment for the sale of pharmaceuticals and help eliminate the chaotic nature of the current market, where counterfeit drugs proliferate.
He reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening Onitsha’s position as the largest commercial hub in Africa while ensuring a safer and more regulated trading environment.
“Anambra will continue to win,” the governor declared in a statement shared via his X (formerly Twitter) account.
