NAFDAC Defends Onitsha Drug Market Crackdown, Warns VDM Against Social Media Incitement

 

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has offered a firm rebuttal to widespread criticism surrounding its enforcement activities at the Onitsha Bridge Head Market, Anambra State, following allegations of extortion and heavy-handed operations. A viral video, shared by social media personality Martins Otse—known online as VeryDarkMan—accused the agency of demanding N700,000 from each trader to reopen their shops after large-scale closures.

Rather than responding directly to the extortion claims, NAFDAC redirected public attention to its broader mission: safeguarding Nigerians from harmful and counterfeit medical products. A detailed statement, signed by Director General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, defended the integrity of the enforcement operations, noting that they were part of a nationwide clampdown on illicit pharmaceutical activities.

The operations, which unfolded between February 9 and March 27, 2025, targeted major open drug markets across the country—namely Idumota in Lagos, Ariaria in Aba, and Bridge Head in Onitsha. According to the agency, the raids were prompted by rampant violations, including the sale of expired, banned, or falsified medicines, many of which are classified as controlled substances. The agency confirmed that confiscated products, valued at over N1 trillion, have since been destroyed.

NAFDAC pointed to widespread non-compliance with Good Storage and Distribution Practices among traders in these markets. Many of the outlets, the agency stated, were not properly registered with the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria and operated without adhering to critical regulatory standards, putting public health at risk.

A coordinated effort, involving both NAFDAC and state governments, led to the implementation of a moratorium that allowed affected traders to relocate to a Coordinated Wholesale Centre—facilities specifically designed to align with regulatory benchmarks. According to the agency, this moratorium was a goodwill gesture to ease the transition for law-abiding traders while still holding violators accountable.

“Due to the intervention of respective state governments, traders were given a moratorium to relocate to a conducive Coordinated Warehouse Centre where their activities can be monitored and controlled,” the statement emphasized. It further warned that those responsible for previous infractions would face consequences, stressing that accountability serves as a deterrent and upholds the integrity of Nigeria’s pharmaceutical ecosystem.

More than 2,500 traders with 3,500 shops have since resumed operations at the Ogbogwu Market after complying with the agency’s regulatory conditions. The market officially reopened on March 9, 2025, and continues to operate under NAFDAC’s close supervision.

Despite the reopening, the agency noted that some traders have yet to regain access to their premises. According to NAFDAC, these unresolved cases involve individuals whose operations are tied to prohibited narcotics. These individuals, it added, have refused to identify themselves and are believed to be part of a cartel determined to undermine regulatory enforcement.

NAFDAC expressed concern over the role of social media in shaping public perception of the issue. It specifically condemned the actions of Martins Otse, accusing him of spreading misleading information that could incite unrest and encourage traders to flout regulatory directives.

Without naming specific legal steps, the agency warned that Otse’s content may be in violation of Nigeria’s Cybercrime Act, particularly in terms of incitement and dissemination of false information. “The influencer has openly encouraged his audience to defy NAFDAC’s regulatory processes following enforcement operations conducted under the Office of the National Security Adviser,” the agency noted, adding that law enforcement agencies have been alerted to assess potential breaches of legal statutes.

NAFDAC concluded its statement by reiterating its core mission: to ensure that every medical product available to Nigerians is safe, effective, and of high quality. The agency underlined its role in preventing needless deaths and long-term health complications, particularly among vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, children, and individuals living with chronic illnesses.

Despite the controversy, the agency made it clear that it would not be deterred from carrying out its mandate, promising to pursue legal and administrative action against those found guilty of contributing to Nigeria’s counterfeit drug crisis.