The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) will today, February 26, unseal all sections of Ariaria International Market, Eziukwu Market, and Tenant Road Drug Market in Aba. The agency had previously sealed the markets over allegations of selling fake and expired drugs. However, any shop found guilty of dealing in counterfeit drugs will remain shut, according to government sources.
The decision to reopen the markets came after intense negotiations between NAFDAC and Abia State Governor, Alex Otti. In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, Otti assured that those caught producing and selling fake drugs would face severe consequences.
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“The reopening will be conducted by the NAFDAC Director for the South-East Zone today. Shops proven to be involved in selling dangerous and expired drugs will remain sealed until justice is served,” the statement read.
Governor Otti emphasized his administration’s commitment to eradicating fake and adulterated drugs in Abia State. He warned that anyone endangering public health for profit would be arrested and prosecuted.
NAFDAC has been on a nationwide crackdown on fake drug markets, recently clearing truckloads of counterfeit drugs from Aba, Onitsha, and Lagos. The agency has vowed to continue its war against the distribution of expired and adulterated products.
