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Anambra Drug Traders Protest Market Closure by NAFDAC
Traders at the Ogbo-Ogwu Bridgehead Drug Market in Onitsha, Anambra State, staged a protest on Tuesday over the continued closure of their shops by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Operating under the banner of the Concerned and Genuine Members of Ogbo-Ogwu Drug Market, the traders expressed frustration over the severe financial hardships caused by the market’s closure. Over 2,000 protesters, carrying placards with various messages, marched from Oshogbo Park to the River Niger Bridge and back to Uga Junction. They alleged that the closure had resulted in the deaths of at least five traders, while several others had been hospitalized due to depression and hunger.
The traders also accused NAFDAC of demanding a payment of N2 million per trader as a prerequisite for reopening the market.
Traders Demand Immediate Market Reopening
Addressing journalists, the National Convener and Secretary of the Concerned Genuine Members of Ogbo-Ogwu Drug Market, Ifeanyi Chinedu, refuted NAFDAC’s claims that the shops had been reopened. He urged the Federal Government to intervene and investigate allegations surrounding the seizure of drugs, stating that NAFDAC officials had unlawfully raided their stores in their absence and confiscated over 60 trailer loads of registered pharmaceutical products.
Chinedu outlined the traders’ grievances, declaring:
- NAFDAC officials invaded shops without prior notification and seized legally registered goods valued at billions of naira.
- Confiscated drugs included products from multinational pharmaceutical firms in the USA, Germany, Turkey, and Pakistan, all of which meet international standards.
- The claim that all seized drugs were counterfeit is false and aimed at discrediting the market’s legitimate traders.
- The Federal Government should establish an independent panel to verify the legitimacy of the seized goods and investigate NAFDAC’s actions.
- The assertion that traders were present during the raids is misleading; the searches and confiscations were conducted in their absence, violating legal protocols.
Traders Reject Alleged N2 Million Fine
The traders also passed a vote of no confidence in the market’s caretaker committee chairman and his executive, demanding their immediate resignation. They further rejected NAFDAC’s alleged imposition of a N2 million fine per shop, dismissing it as unjust.
“NAFDAC’s demand for N2 million from each shop owner as a condition for reopening is outrageous. We strongly oppose this unlawful fine and call on the Federal Minister of Health, the National Security Adviser, and the National Assembly to intervene,” Chinedu stated.
He reiterated the traders’ call for an immediate and unconditional reopening of the market, emphasizing that many traders were facing severe financial distress.
“We urge the government to prosecute those found guilty of selling counterfeit drugs while ensuring that innocent traders are not unfairly punished. We remain law-abiding citizens, committed to supporting the administration of President Bola Tinubu and the Anambra State government under Governor Chukwuma Soludo.”
NAFDAC Denies Allegations
In response, NAFDAC’s South-East Zonal Director, Martins Iluyomade, dismissed the traders’ allegations, asserting that the agency’s enforcement operation, conducted from February 10 to March 5, 2025, adhered to legal guidelines.
Iluyomade maintained that all confiscated products lacked NAFDAC approval and emphasized the agency’s commitment to eliminating counterfeit drugs from Nigerian markets.
“These accusations are baseless. Our enforcement exercise was carried out in strict compliance with the law. We seized large quantities of unapproved narcotics and pharmaceuticals due to their potential threats to public health and national security. The volume of illicit drugs uncovered during our operation was significant enough to destabilize a nation,” he stated.
The dispute between the traders and NAFDAC remains unresolved, as the traders continue to demand a review of the agency’s actions and the reopening of the market.
Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, has advised the House of Representatives member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Leke Abejide, to remain in his party.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Gbajabiamila made the remark during a birthday celebration organised in honour of Abejide, according to reports.
He noted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) was pleased with the lawmaker’s activities within the ADC, adding that his presence was creating internal tensions in the opposition party.
The Chief of Staff also urged Abejide to disregard calls from APC members, including former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, who had reportedly encouraged him to defect to the ruling party.
“Don’t come to APC. Stay in ADC and scatter them. We like what you’re doing. Don’t mind former governor Yahaya Bello, who said you should join APC. No, no, no, stay in ADC and win your election. Also, bring Bala Gombe, and we’ll support him. Good luck in court,” he was quoted as saying.
Meanwhile, fresh tension has emerged within the African Democratic Congress as factional leader Nafiu Bala accused former national chairman Ralph Nwosu of misrepresenting the purpose of a recent party event.
Bala, speaking in an interview on AIT on Monday, said he was invited to what he believed was a routine meeting to welcome new members but later discovered it was used to announce a new leadership structure led by David Mark.
He explained that he only realised the full agenda after proceedings had begun, adding that the event also featured Nwosu stepping down while unveiling new party executives.
According to him, the development has deepened existing internal disputes within the party, especially with the appointment of David Mark and others into key leadership positions during the gathering.
Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun East Senatorial District have reportedly endorsed Governor Dapo Abiodun as their preferred candidate for the 2027 senatorial election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to reports, the decision was taken on Monday during a large political gathering held at Adeola Odutola Hall in Ijebu-Ode, which attracted party stakeholders and grassroots representatives from across the district.
A statement from the governor’s media office indicated that the meeting was widely attended by key APC figures, including members of the Governor’s Advisory Council, former and serving local government chairmen, councillors from all wards, as well as current and former lawmakers at both state and national levels. Women leaders, youth groups, and other stakeholders were also present.
Party leaders at the event expressed confidence in Abiodun’s capacity to represent Ogun East effectively at the National Assembly, describing his leadership record as a key factor in their decision.
They also resolved to formally communicate the endorsement to the governor and begin mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle.
The Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, noted that the governor’s performance in office and his role in fostering unity within the party were central to the decision to support his senatorial ambition.
The Presidency has criticised former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, questioning his leadership ability and accusing him of failing to manage internal crises within the Labour Party (LP).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
According to reports, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare, made the remarks during an interview on African Independent Television (AIT) on Monday.
Dare argued that Obi did not found the Labour Party and does not have full control over its structure, adding that his handling of party disputes raises concerns about his leadership capacity.
He further alleged that Obi has shown a pattern of moving between political platforms rather than resolving internal challenges, insisting that he “cannot fix” his own party.
Dare said the Labour Party’s internal crisis had been visible for years and questioned Obi’s level of involvement in resolving it, suggesting that he instead left the party amid the turmoil.
He stated that such leadership qualities should be scrutinised given national responsibilities, adding, “You cannot fix your party.”
The presidential aide also addressed claims linking the Presidency to the crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), rejecting any involvement and insisting the party’s internal issues were not influenced by the federal government.
He maintained that the ADC situation is already before the courts and should be resolved through judicial processes rather than public agitation or political pressure.
Dare urged all parties involved to respect ongoing legal proceedings, stressing that court decisions would ultimately determine the outcome of the disputes.
He added that the government remains committed to respecting the judiciary and warned against attempts to influence public opinion while cases are still being decided.
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