Assembly Urges NAFDAC To Reopen Major Anambra Market

Anambra State House of Assembly has passed a resolution urging the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to expedite its inspection and reopen the Ogbo Ogwu market, Onitsha.

The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance moved during the plenary session on Tuesday by the member representing Aguata Constituency Two, Chief Tony Moubike.

The Assembly also called on market leaders to establish strict monitoring structures to identify and report illicit activities within the market.

Chief Moubike lamented that many innocent traders and apprentices are now suffering for an offence they had no part in and that many of the apprentices who are youths may be lured into antisocial behaviour including crime and criminality if the closure of the markets is further prolonged.

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, acknowledged the numerous appeals and concerns regarding the prolonged closure, stressing that how the verification exercise is being conducted is causing undue hardship to constituents and called for speedy reopening.

Recall that NAFDAC had on February 9 2024, launched a major enforcement operation at Ogbo-Ogwu Market, Bridge Head, Onitsha, in Anambra State, led by Dr. Martins Iluyomade, Director, South East Zone, and seized large quantities of adulterated, substandard, and expired drugs.

The exercise, conducted in collaboration with the market task force, targeted dealers engaged in repackaging and rebadging counterfeit drugs to deceive unsuspecting consumers.

Products seized included antibiotics, anti-diabetics, anti-hypertensives, psychoactive substances, antimalarials, aphrodisiacs, unregistered vaccines and banned drugs such as tramadol (above 100 mg) and codeine. Unwholesome food, cosmetics, and chemicals were also confiscated.

NAFDAC emphasises that these counterfeit products pose serious health risks, including death or permanent disability. The agency reaffirms its commitment to protecting public health and urges stakeholders to continue reporting suspicious activities.

The monetary value of confiscated products will be determined upon the conclusion of the ongoing operation.