Onitsha traders protested the closure of the prolonged drug market Nafdac, investigation of demand

Traders at OGBO OGBO OGWU Bridgehead Market which is popular in Onitsha, Anambra state, on Tuesday, take to the streets of commercial cities to protest the closure of their prolonged shops by national agencies for food, drug administration and control (Nafdac).

The traders who were disadvantaged under the auspices of the relevant and original Ogbo-Ogwu drug market members also rejected the alleged fine of two million naira fines worn by agents to reopen shops in the market that remained below the key for two months now.

Showing banners with various descriptions that show their anger, traders deplore economic difficulties, financial burdens, and report deaths among traders since the forced market closure.

They said that the closure had caused severe difficulties, with at least five members reportedly died due to stress, depression, and hunger, while many others had been hospitalized.

Some banners read: “There are too many problems for us,” “We are not death traders,” “We save our lives,” and “Nafdac, stop intimidation now.”

The organizer/national secretary of the group, Chinedu Ifeacho, along with a partner convener Emmanuel Ozoeniam, who spoke with reporters during the protest challenging claims by Nafdac that the market had been reopened.

“We urge the federal government to intervene and investigate the alleged confiscation of fake drugs,” said Ifeacho.

“Nafdac officials illegally entered our shops without our presence and transported more than 60 trailers a lot of native drugs registered,” he added.

Also speaking, Ozomenam demands a high-powerful investigation panel to examine the drugs confiscated and Nafdac’s actions, reopening the direct and unconditional market, the prosecution of individuals found in ownership of fake drugs or below the standard, and the elimination of the current management committee, quoting inefficiency in representing traders.

One of the affected traders who identified himself as Prince Friday Oosis, accused that Nafdac seized high -quality drugs produced by multinational pharmaceutical companies from the US, Germany, Türkiye, and Pakistan.

He refused the claim of the agency about fake drugs and below the standard, saying it was an evil lie aimed at tarnishing the market reputation.

Join the conversation

Opinion

Supports Nigeria’s ripples, resistant Journalism Solutions

A balanced and fearful journalism that is driven by data comes with enormous financial costs.

As a media platform, we ask for leadership accountability and will not trade the right to suppress freedom and freedom of speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and ready to uphold journalism solutions, friendly Nigerian ripples cause.

Your support will help ensure that residents and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for community development.

Donation now