The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has reopened shops belonging to traders who were found innocent following its recent enforcement action against counterfeit and substandard drugs in Abia State.
The South-East Zonal Director of NAFDAC, Martins Iluyomade, announced the decision after an appeal from the Abia State government.
He clarified that only traders with no links to fake drug sales would be allowed to resume operations, while those implicated would face prosecution.
“We are reopening shops of those who have been cleared of any wrongdoing. However, those found dealing in illicit drugs must face the full weight of the law before they can regain access to their premises,” Iluyomade stated.
Key market representatives from Eziukwu Market, Ariaria International Market, Ekumi Plaza, and Tenant Road Medicine Dealers were involved in discussions leading to the reopening.
Expressing appreciation for NAFDAC’s efforts, the Pioneer Chairman of Eziukwu Market, Mike Okoro, and the current Chairman, Oba Ibe, pledged their support in eradicating counterfeit drugs from Abia State.
Meanwhile, the Abia State government has reiterated its commitment to enforcing strict regulations against illegal pharmaceutical trade.
Governor Alex Otti’s Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku-Ukoha, emphasized that the state would not allow fake drug peddlers to operate freely.
“Abia State will not serve as a breeding ground for fake drug peddlers. We are committed to working closely with NAFDAC to safeguard public health,” he said.
Amid the crackdown on fake drugs, pan-Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere has urged the Federal Government to strengthen security for NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, following threats to her life.
Prof. Adeyeye recently raised the alarm over attempts by criminal syndicates to silence her after the agency confiscated counterfeit drugs worth over ₦1 trillion.
She described the perpetrators as “merchants of death” and called for severe penalties, including the death sentence, for those involved in the illicit drug trade.
In a statement signed by its Organizing Secretary, Chief Kole Omololu, Afenifere condemned the threats, describing them as an attack on national security.
“She left a successful international career to serve Nigeria. The least she deserves is protection from those who wish to harm her,” the statement read.
The group called on President Bola Tinubu to provide Adeyeye and her team with top-tier security, including armored vehicles and elite protection.
“If criminals sense that the government will not shield its key officials, impunity will thrive. Nigeria must stand by those risking their lives for the common good,” Afenifere stressed.
