In a detailed statement signed by the agency’s Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC refuted the allegations, clarifying the reasons behind its recent enforcement actions at the market. According to NAFDAC, the enforcement exercise, carried out between February 9 and March 27, 2025, was part of a nationwide crackdown on unregistered, banned, expired, substandard, and falsified medicines, including controlled substances.
The agency explained that the enforcement targeted three major open drug markets across the country—Idumota in Lagos, Ariaria in Aba, and Bridge Head in Onitsha—and resulted in the seizure and destruction of medicines valued at over N1 trillion.
NAFDAC maintained that the markets, including Onitsha’s Ogbogwu Market, failed to meet Good Storage and Distribution Practices and did not comply with the registration requirements under the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN). It also noted that state governments had intervened by granting traders a moratorium to relocate to Coordinated Wholesale Centres that meet regulatory standards.
“Due to the intervention of respective state governments, traders were given a moratorium to relocate to a conducive Coordinated Wholesale Centre where their activities can be monitored and controlled, while they remain accountable for previous infractions as a deterrent in accordance with gazetted regulations,” NAFDAC stated.
Prof. Adeyeye revealed that as of March 9, 2025, over 2,500 traders operating in 3,500 shopsat Ogbogwu Market had resumed their businesses after complying with regulatory requirements. However, a few shops remain closed, as the owners have allegedly refused identification. NAFDAC claimed these particular traders are linked to banned narcotics, according to its records.
“The cartel and their co-conspirators are responsible for incitements aimed at diverting attention from the real issues to evade justice for heinous crimes against humanity,” the statement added.
Responding directly to the viral video by VeryDarkMan, NAFDAC raised concerns over its potential to incite unrest and possibly violate the Cybercrime Act.
“The agency’s attention has been drawn to misleading videos trending on social media inciting traders at Onitsha Bridge Head Market by a social media influencer. NAFDAC wishes to alert the public and security agencies to this incitement, which may constitute a violation of the Cybercrime Act,” the agency warned.
NAFDAC further accused the influencer of encouraging traders to disregard regulatory processes, a stance it said could endanger public health and safety.
“The influencer has openly encouraged his audience to defy NAFDAC’s regulatory processes following enforcement operations conducted under the Office of the National Security Adviser. The agency will allow law enforcement to determine if he has violated any laws, particularly regarding incitement through video content,” the statement read.
NAFDAC assured law-abiding citizens that its enforcement actions are aimed at protecting public health by ensuring that medicines, vaccines, and medical devices in the country are safe, effective, and of good quality.
“We continue to monitor these commodities to prevent deaths among pregnant women, children, and adults living with chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. NAFDAC operates strictly within its mandate,” the agency concluded.
