Governor Chukwuma Soludo has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling the sale of fake and counterfeit drugs in Anambra State. During a visit to the Ọgbọ Ọgwụ market in Onitsha, Africa’s largest open drug market, Governor Soludo addressed recent regulatory enforcement actions and the temporary closure of nearby markets.
The governor explained that his visit was aimed at understanding why adjacent markets, including the Plumbing Materials Market, were also shut down. Contrary to political speculation, he noted that regulators had uncovered a shocking stockpile of counterfeit and controlled drugs in some shops within the plumbing market. Many of these drugs, some globally banned, were found in large quantities, raising concerns about their entry into the country.
Governor Soludo called for stricter federal oversight to curb the inflow of illicit drugs into Nigeria. He urged relevant authorities to tighten regulations on importation to prevent these dangerous substances from reaching local markets.
In response to the disruptions caused by the enforcement activities, the governor assured traders in the affected markets that the ongoing search operations would be expedited. He set a deadline of less than 10 days for the completion of the process, allowing legitimate businesses to resume operations promptly.
As part of a long-term solution, Governor Soludo highlighted his administration’s ongoing efforts to build a coordinated wholesale drug center in Oba, Idemili South LGA. This facility, once completed, will house a standardized version of the Ọgbọ Ọgwụ market, ensuring better regulatory oversight and a safer pharmaceutical trade environment.
Reaffirming Onitsha’s status as the largest trading hub in Africa, Governor Soludo pledged to elevate the city’s commercial standing while ensuring the health and safety of its residents. “May Anambra continue to win,” he declared, emphasizing his commitment to a more organized and legally compliant marketplace.
