Calls for Accountability Grow as NAFDAC Faces Backlash Over Alleged N3 Billion Onitsha Market Levies

 

NAFDAC Under Fire as Rights Group Demands N3 Billion Refund to Onitsha Traders

Mounting pressure is being placed on the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) as a civil society organization, the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety), demands a refund of over N3 billion allegedly collected from traders at the Onitsha Drug Market. The group has also called for the resignation of top agency officials to allow for an impartial probe into what it described as “extortionist and militarist operations.”

NAFDAC’s actions have triggered widespread criticism after traders were reportedly compelled to pay hefty penalties, including a widely reported N700,000 fee per shop. The agency has defended the charges, asserting they were reduced fines — down from N7 million — related to infractions such as poor drug storage and unregistered products. But Intersociety, along with a host of public figures, has rejected that justification, describing the fees as unjustified and forcefully imposed.

According to the human rights group, the market has remained shut for over 90 days following a sweeping enforcement operation by NAFDAC. It claims the closure has crippled businesses and livelihoods for thousands of traders, most of whom deal in legitimate pharmaceutical goods and health supplements.

The organization, through a statement signed by Mr. Emeka Umeagbalasi (Board Chair), Chinwe Umeche (Head of Democracy and Good Governance), and Chidinma Evangeline Udegbunam (Head of Religious Freedom and Human Rights), insists the funds collected be returned with a 20% interest.

It’s estimated that between 3,500 and 3,800 traders have paid the controversial fees, which, according to Intersociety, include a “Poor Storage Fee” of N700,000 for every market store owner and an additional N200,000 for owners of packing stores. A further N200,000 per unregistered drug brand or product from multinational suppliers was also reportedly levied.

A detailed breakdown provided by Intersociety paints a grim picture. A wholesaler with seven unregistered products could have paid up to N1.4 million under the third category of fees, in addition to the N700,000 and N200,000 levies — totaling N2.3 million. Traders were allegedly coerced into signing “self-incriminating undertakings” as a condition for payment and future business resumption.

This, the organization maintains, amounts to collective punishment and a breach of due process. “No number of excuses or policy defense can justify such imposition and forceful collection from traders who have been kept out of their legitimate businesses,” Intersociety stated.

The human rights group stressed that over 90% of traders at the market deal in authentic, pharmaceutically approved products, countering NAFDAC’s broader narrative that heavily implied widespread illegality.

The Onitsha Drug Market is reportedly home to over 14,000 people, including about 7,000 business owners operating from 5,000 stalls and storage units. Another 7,000 individuals work as apprentices, sales personnel, hawkers, and other service providers. The extended closure, critics say, has triggered a humanitarian and economic crisis in the area.

Intersociety accused NAFDAC’s leadership, particularly Director General Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye and South-East Director Dr. Martins Iluyomade, of deliberately ignoring multiple petitions and media inquiries regarding the operation. The group claims to have submitted over ten formal petitions demanding transparency, none of which received an official response despite proof of delivery.

The group’s demands do not stop at a refund. It is calling for the immediate and unconditional reopening of the market and the stepping down of top NAFDAC officials to pave the way for an independent investigation.

A scathing condemnation was also directed at the Anambra State Police Command for allegedly siding with NAFDAC and ignoring recent amendments to the Cyberstalking Act. According to Intersociety, the law’s 2024 revision significantly altered or repealed several draconian provisions, including the controversial Section 24, often used against critics. “It is shocking that the Anambra State Police Command is starkly ignorant of the 2024 amendments,” the group asserted.

Public support for the traders has swelled in recent weeks, with notable Nigerians such as social activist VeryDarkMan (Martins Vincent Otse), former Anambra Governor Peter Obi, Senator Tony Nwoye, and Hon. Afam Ogene joining calls for accountability. International human rights lawyer Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, members of the media, and other civil society actors have also rallied behind the cause.

With national attention now focused on the unfolding situation at the Onitsha Drug Market, the call for transparency and justice is growing louder. NAFDAC’s next steps — whether conciliatory or combative — may determine not just the future of the embattled traders but also the public’s trust in regulatory institutions.