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NAFDAC Begins Gradual Reopening of Shops at Ogbo-Ogwu Drug Market in Onitsha

In a measured response to previous regulatory actions, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has initiated the phased reopening of shops at the popular Ogbo-Ogwu drug market in Onitsha, Anambra State. This development comes two months after the agency shut down the market on February 10, 2025, over concerns of rampant circulation of counterfeit, unregistered, and substandard pharmaceutical products.

The reopening process is being spearheaded by Mr. Tunji Omoyemi, a Deputy Director at NAFDAC, who is overseeing the comprehensive inspection and verification of documentation submitted by individual shop owners. According to the agency, only those who have fulfilled all regulatory conditions, including the sourcing and sale of certified drugs and evidence of proper licensing, will be cleared to resume operations.

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Addressing a gathering of anxious traders and market leaders, Mr. Omoyemi stressed that the agency’s primary objective is not to stifle commerce but to ensure public safety and uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector. “We understand the economic importance of this market not just to Anambra State but to the entire country. However, public health cannot be compromised. We are here to ensure that only legitimate businesses are allowed to operate going forward,” he said.

The chairman of the Ogbo-Ogwu market, Mr. Ndubuisi Chukwulota, appealed to traders for full compliance and cooperation with NAFDAC’s procedures. He assured the agency of the traders’ willingness to adhere to all guidelines aimed at sanitizing the market. “We understand the gravity of the issues raised by NAFDAC and are fully committed to ensuring this market is a benchmark for drug safety in Nigeria,” Chukwulota stated.

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He added that the traders’ union had taken steps to enlighten members on compliance requirements and had even introduced internal monitoring mechanisms to discourage the sale of unapproved products.

The decision to close the market in February sparked widespread concern and economic hardship, as Ogbo-Ogwu is considered one of the largest open drug markets in West Africa. The market’s temporary closure disrupted the drug supply chain and led to losses for hundreds of shop owners and pharmaceutical suppliers.

However, public health advocates hailed the move, citing the urgent need to tackle the endemic issue of counterfeit drugs in Nigeria—a problem that has cost countless lives and damaged the country’s international reputation.

NAFDAC’s action was part of a broader nationwide clampdown on the distribution of fake drugs, which included coordinated raids, enhanced border inspections, and the establishment of new regional laboratories for drug testing.

In this latest development, NAFDAC reiterated that the reopening of Ogbo-Ogwu is conditional and will be done in stages. Each shop is being subjected to rigorous scrutiny, including inspections of inventory, sourcing records, staff qualifications, and storage conditions.

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The agency also announced plans to establish a permanent regulatory office within the market to facilitate ongoing compliance and provide guidance to traders. Mr. Omoyemi revealed that periodic unannounced inspections would be conducted moving forward.

“The reopening is not a license to return to the old ways. It marks the beginning of a new era of accountability, safety, and partnership between regulators and the business community,” he affirmed.

Community leaders and representatives of pharmaceutical associations present at the event also pledged their support to the reform initiative. They called on the federal government to complement NAFDAC’s efforts by improving infrastructure, especially roads and storage facilities, to support safe drug distribution.

Traders who have reopened expressed cautious optimism. While acknowledging the financial toll of the closure, they conceded that the reforms were necessary to ensure public trust and restore the market’s credibility.

“It has not been easy, but we believe this process is for the best. We want customers to know that when they come to Ogbo-Ogwu, they are getting quality, genuine medicine,” said Mrs. Angela Obi, a trader who was among the first batch cleared to reopen.

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NAFDAC’s proactive approach is expected to serve as a model for similar markets across the country. The agency confirmed that it is working with other stakeholders, including the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), to implement stricter compliance measures in all major drug distribution centers.

With the gradual reopening underway, stakeholders are hopeful that Ogbo-Ogwu can evolve into a modern, well-regulated pharmaceutical hub that meets international standards, ensuring the safety and well-being of millions of Nigerians who rely on its services daily.

The reopening process is expected to continue in phases over the next several weeks, with periodic updates from NAFDAC on the number of shops cleared and any additional requirements for compliance. The agency has also set up a feedback desk to handle concerns from traders and customers alike.

As Onitsha’s iconic drug market inches toward full resumption of activity, the message from NAFDAC is clear: compliance is non-negotiable, and public safety remains the top priority.

NAFDAC Begins Gradual Reopening of Shops at Ogbo-Ogwu Drug Market in Onitsha

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has commenced the gradual reopening of shops at the Ogbo-Ogwu drug market in Onitsha.

This development follows the agency’s closure of the market on February 10, 2025, due to concerns over the sale and distribution of counterfeit, unregistered, and substandard drugs.

The unsealing exercise is being led by a Deputy Director of NAFDAC, Mr. Tunji Omoyemi.

According to NAFDAC, traders whose shops meet the required safety and documentation standards are being cleared to resume business operations.

Addressing the traders, the market chairman, Mr. Ndubuisi Chukwulota, urged full cooperation with the agency to facilitate the swift resumption of commercial activities.

Credit: Anambra Broadcasting Service

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