Normalcy has returned to the Onitsha Drug Market in Anambra State following its reopening by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), after months of regulatory closure.
During an inspection visit, Anambra’s Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, confirmed that 95% of the shops have resumed operations, with the remaining 5% still shut due to non-compliance with NAFDAC directives.
Speaking further, the Commissioner for Health, Afam Obidike, reassured traders of the government’s commitment to their welfare, noting that the new, modern drug market in Oba—equipped with proper drug storage facilities—remains on track for completion.
On his part, NAFDAC’s Deputy Director, Omoyeni Babatunji, also confirmed the phased reopening, reinforcing that compliance remains mandatory.
On behalf of the traders, the Market Chairman, Chukwuleta Ndubuis, expressed gratitude to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, crediting his intervention for expediting the reopening process.
NAFDAC has, however, dismissed online claims of unconditional reopenings across Nigeria’s open drug markets, calling such reports misleading.
Meanwhile, NAFDAC has reiterated that the reopening of the Onitsha Drug Market in Anambra State remains strictly conditional, countering claims of relaxed enforcement.
At a press conference in Lagos on May 30, NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye emphasized that only shops compliant with regulatory standards and payment of investigative charges have been allowed to reopen.
“There is no unconditional opening of any market or shop,” Adeyeye declared. “NAFDAC is standing strong. We are not caving in. It is time to protect our people. It is time to stop women dying.”
She refuted a trending Google news headline suggesting the agency had eased its stance, labeling the reports false and misrepresentative of NAFDAC’s firm position on drug market reform.
