The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reopened the Bridgehead Drug Market in Onitsha, Anambra State.
It was reported that the market, encompassing Ogbo Ogwu and three bordering marketplaces, was shut down from February 10 to March 7 to resolve shortcomings in drug distribution processes.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by NAFDAC’s Director General, Mojisola Adeyeye, the market was reopened after severe administrative criteria were met.
Professor Adeyeye, however, stressed that shop owners who have yet to pay their penalty for past offenses will not be allowed to establish shop for business at the market.
It said in part: “To prevent a recurrence of the issues that led to the closure, NAFDAC implemented strict administrative conditions for reopening. Shop owners were required to complete documentation and clearance requirements before their establishments could be unsealed. A specialized NAFDAC desk was developed to support this process efficiently, assuring compliance with regulatory norms.
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“The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, emphasizes that the market has now been reopened, with all shop owners directed by their union to obtain and sign an undertaking, as well as a penalty for previous violations of distribution regulations.” Only shops that meet these standards will be allowed to restart operations.
Pharmaceuticals are heavily controlled since they have a direct impact on public health and national security. Under the NAFDAC Act, the agency remains dedicated to ensuring that all medication distribution channels meet safety and regulatory requirements.
“NAFDAC appreciates the cooperation of the market leadership and the Anambra State Government in facilitating this critical intervention.”
