NAFDAC confirms reopening of Onitsha medicine market

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has announced the reopening of the Bridgehead Medicine Market in Onitsha on March 7, following a temporary closure for thorough sanitisation. 

Dr. Martins Iluyomade, NAFDAC’s Director for the Southeast, confirmed the market’s reopening during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday.

The market, including Ogbo Ogwu and three adjoining markets, had been shut down from February 10 to March 7 as part of NAFDAC’s efforts to improve the medicine distribution system and safeguard public health.

Iluyomade highlighted that there were specific administrative requirements for shop owners to meet before the reopening of their sealed premises.

He said that the process was put in place to prevent the recurrence of the issues that led to the market’s closure.

He highlighted that pharmaceuticals were highly regulated due to their impact on public health and national security, adding that NAFDAC’s mandate, under the NAFDAC Act, was to regulate and control the sales and distribution of drugs.

Iluyomade also clarified that the market had not been closed, contrary to reports from some media outlets.

He said that the process underway was focused on documenting and regularising the shops, ensuring that no shop would be unsealed without completing the necessary clearance procedures.

He said NAFDAC had set up a special desk to facilitate this process efficiently.

Iluyomade thanked the market leadership and the Anambra state government for their cooperation and understanding.

He further stated that the agency was not aware of any internal conflicts within the market.