Rita Odafe
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has confirmed that it requested Anambra traders to pay a fine of N700,000.
However, the agency clarified that this amount pertains to fees and infractions.
In their official statement, they stated:
PRESS RELEASE: NAFDAC CAUTIONS AGAINST INCITEMENT, REITERATES DEDICATION TO REFORMING DRUG MARKET AND ENSURING PUBLIC SAFETY
NAFDAC has become aware of misleading content circulating online, where a social media personality is seen attempting to provoke traders at the Onitsha Bridge Head Market against the regulatory actions of the Federal Government. The agency advises the public and relevant authorities about this provocation, which could be a violation of the Cybercrime Act. From February 9 to March 27, 2025, NAFDAC initiated a nationwide enforcement initiative that focused on three significant Open Drug Markets: Idumota (Lagos), Aba (Abia), and Onitsha (Anambra). These efforts led to the seizure and destruction of over one trillion Naira worth of banned, expired, counterfeit, and substandard medicines and controlled substances. Investigations showed that various warehouses, shops, and distribution centers in these markets did not comply with Good Storage and Distribution Practices (GSDP) and were not registered with the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), violating national regulations.
In line with regulatory measures, penalties were applied to non-compliant operators as per federal guidelines.
These penalties included: An initial 5,000,000 investigative charge for selling unregistered items, reduced to 200,000 after appeals were made.
A 2,000,000 charge for failing to adhere to Good Storage and Distribution Practices, which was lowered to 500,000 following additional appeals.
These penalties are formalized charges and were imposed equitably across all impacted markets. NAFDAC remains committed to its role in protecting public health by ensuring that all medical products, including drugs, vaccines, and medical devices in circulation within Nigeria are safe, effective, and of high quality. Through strict regulatory enforcement, the agency aims to safeguard the welfare of the most vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women, children, and individuals with chronic illnesses.
NAFDAC assures the public of its continued commitment to operate within its legal framework and will resist efforts to undermine essential regulatory reforms.
Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, PhD, FAS Director-General/CEO
