The Onitsha Medicine Market is reopened after sanitation, Nafdac clarifies the process

The National Agency for Drug and Drug Administration and Control (Nafdac) has officially reopen the Bridgead medical market in Onitsha, after the intensive sanitation period. This announcement came after the market was temporarily closed to improve deviations in the drug distribution system.

Martins Iluyomade, Director of Nafdac to Southeast, gave clarity about the situation in a journalist interview on Monday, “The medical market in Bridgead, Onitsha, was reopened on March 7 after closing for comprehensive sanitation.” This confirmation discusses previous reports that have misinterpreted the agency action.

The market, especially Ogbo Ogwu and three adjacent markets, initially closed from February 10 to March 7, as part of Nafdac’s efforts to streamline and regulate the distribution of pharmaceutical products. Iluyomade stressed that reopening depends on strict compliance with the administrative protocol.

“There are administrative conditions that must be met by every shop owner in front of their shops, which were previously sealed during the operation, could not be sealed,” he explained. “This process is applied to prevent recurrence of problems that cause market closure.”

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Highlighting the critical nature of pharmaceutical regulations, Iluyomade stated, “Pharmacy is highly regulated because of its impact on public health and national security.” He repeated the mandate of Nafdac, as described in the Nafdac law, namely “to regulate and control the sale and distribution of drugs.”

Overcoming misunderstanding about market status, Iluyomade clarified, “The market has not been closed, contrary to reports from several media outlets.” He described the ongoing process, emphasizing that it was mainly focused on “documenting and managing stores, ensuring that no shops would be sealed without completing the necessary permit procedures.” To facilitate this, Nafdac has formed “a special table to facilitate this process efficiently.”

Iluyomade expressed his gratitude for the market leadership and the Anambra state government for their collaborative efforts. “Iluyomade thanked the market leadership and the Anambra state government for their cooperation and understanding.”

He also discussed concerns about internal conflicts in the market, stating, “The body did not know any internal conflict in the market.”

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