Traders At Ogbo-Ogwu Market, Onitsha Claim NAFDAC Officials Seized Registered Foreign Drugs, Destroyed Goods Worth Millions, Seek Government Intervention
By Oge Onyeanusi Onitsha
Traders at the popular Ogbo-Ogwu market in Onitsha, Anambra State, are claiming officials from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) seized registered foreign drugs, as well as destroyed goods Worth Millions of Naira
The traders who expressed deep frustration over the actions of the officials of the agency, also raised alarm over what they described as unjust and forceful enforcement by the NAFDAC officials, who recently stormed the market and confiscated foreign drugs that were properly registered in the United Kingdom, the United States, and other countries.
They accused the NAFDAC officials of breaking into their shops in their absence, seizing properly registered foreign drugs, and damaging goods worth millions of naira.
According to eyewitnesses, the raid was carried out without prior notice, and many shop owners returned to find their businesses in disarray. “NAFDAC officials came like invaders, broke our locks, and packed away our drugs, even the ones fully registered in the UK and USA,” a distraught trader recounted.
“They did not even wait for us to be present. They acted like thieves instead of law enforcers.”
The traders lamented that instead of focusing on unregistered Nigerian drugs and expired medications that pose serious health risks, the officials targeted their legally imported stock, leading to massive financial losses.
According to some affected traders, the seized drugs had valid certifications and were in compliance with international standards. “We don’t understand why NAFDAC is after us in this manner.
Another trader lamented the destruction of goods, saying, “They scattered our shops, breaking shelves and cartons of medicine.
“Many of our products were either taken away or left damaged beyond use. We have lost millions of naira in this reckless raid.”
Many traders are now calling on the government and relevant authorities to intervene, urging NAFDAC to direct its regulatory efforts toward ensuring the safety of drugs rather than disrupting the pharmaceutical business with questionable enforcement actions.
They also demanded compensation for their losses and a review of the agency’s enforcement strategies to prevent further damage to their livelihoods.
Stakeholders demanded transparency in NAFDAC’s operations, warning that such actions could cripple legitimate businesses and limit access to quality medicines for Nigerians.
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