NAFDAC Breaks Silence on Onitsha Market Controversy, Explains Reduced Reopening Charges After Clampdown

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The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has officially addressed the controversy surrounding the reopening fees imposed on shop owners at the Onitsha drug market, following a major enforcement operation.

In a statement released by the agency, NAFDAC clarified that the charges were not arbitrary, but rather administrative penalties for serious regulatory violations.

The agency explained that two major infractions triggered the closure of affected shops: the sale of unregistered pharmaceutical products and non-compliance with Good Storage and Distribution Practices (GSDP).

Initially, shop owners were billed ₦5 million as an investigative fee for the illegal sale of unregistered products. However, after several appeals and consultations with stakeholders and market leaders, the fee was reduced to ₦200,000 per shop.

In addition, a separate charge of ₦2 million was imposed for violations related to GSDP, which include poor hygiene, improper documentation, and unapproved storage methods. This fee was also slashed to ₦500,000 following intervention from concerned parties.

NAFDAC reiterated that these measures are not aimed at punishing businesses but ensuring public safety and regulatory compliance in the handling and distribution of medical products across Nigerian markets.

The agency urged all shop owners and pharmaceutical traders to align with regulatory requirements to avoid future sanctions and contribute to a healthier, safer market environment.

The Onitsha pharmaceutical hub remains one of Nigeria’s largest drug distribution centers, and NAFDAC’s actions underscore a renewed commitment to sanitizing the industry and protecting consumers from harmful and substandard products.