IPOB asks NAFDAC to return fake drugs seized from Onitsha market
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has demanded for the release of the huge quantity of fake and substandard products seized by NAFDAC in Onitsha drug market.
IPOB said in a statement issued by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, that the seizure violated the rights of the traders.
It said that the raid on the market was not transparent and NAFDAC has not shown that all the confiscated drugs and other products were fake.
“Where is the evidence that the confiscated drugs were fake? Why was the entire market sealed, affecting both innocent and guilty traders?,” IPOB stated.
The statement called for collaboration between NAFDAC and Anambra State Government to relocate the drug market to the new Oba Drug Market, to ensure that only licensed and certified dealers operate.
The Syndicate recalls that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), on February 10, commenced enforcement operations at three major drug distribution hubs in the country. These are Idumota open drug market in Lagos, the Ariaria drug market in Aba, and the Bridge Market in Onitsha.
According to the agency, the three markets control over 80% of medication distribution in Nigeria and the enforcement operations was to eliminate fake, substandard and unregistered drugs from circulation.
In Onitsha alone, NAFDAC seized no fewer than 30 trucks filled with confiscated drugs and shut down over 4,000 shops.
Earlier, Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, also raised concerns over the infiltration of counterfeit and banned drugs into the Nigerian market, calling for stronger regulatory action at the federal level.
Expressing concern over how such drugs enter the country, he questioned the role of regulatory authorities at Nigeria’s borders.
“How these drugs, which have been banned globally and locally, are still being manufactured in India, pass through our various ports (sea and air), and find their way to our local drug markets remains a question only the relevant authorities can answer,” he added.
While supporting efforts to rid the market of fake drugs, Soludo called on the Federal Government to strengthen control over drug imports.
“While we must rid our country of fake and counterfeit drugs, it is important for the Federal Government to tighten up the noose on the supply end of the value chain,” he added.
