The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has begun the gradual reopening of shops at the Ogbo-Ogwu drug market in Onitsha, nearly two months after the market was shut down over concerns related to counterfeit and substandard drugs.
The market was sealed by the agency on February 10, 2025, following investigations into the sale and distribution of unregistered and unsafe pharmaceutical products. The ongoing unsealing process is being supervised by NAFDAC Deputy Director, Mr. Tunji Omoyemi.
Only traders whose shops meet the agency’s regulatory and safety requirements are being permitted to resume business. The agency emphasized that proper documentation and compliance with safety standards are essential for continued operations.
Speaking to traders during the exercise, the chairman of the market, Mr. Ndubuisi Chukwulota, appealed for full cooperation with NAFDAC to ensure the prompt restoration of commercial activities in the market.
