Victor EzejaProf. Mojisola Adeyeye, Director General of the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has announced the reopening of the Onitsha Bridge Head drug market, popularly known as ‘Ogbo Ogwu’, after a one-month closure.
The agency, however, issued fresh conditions that traders must meet before they can be allowed to resume operations.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIn a statement released on Wednesday, signed by the Director General, NAFDAC, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, the agency said it has set strict administrative conditions that shop owners must meet before reopening to prevent the recurrence of issues that led to the closure.
Adeyeye said that to facilitate the process, a dedicated NAFDAC desk was established, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
The NAFDAC DG said all shop owners in the Bridge Head drug market have been directed, through their union head, to obtain and sign an undertaking along with a penalty for past violations of distribution regulations. “Only shops that meet these conditions will be allowed to resume operations,” Adeyeye stated.
“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 procedures before their shops could be unsealed.
“A dedicated NAFDAC desk was established to facilitate this process efficiently, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
“The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, emphasises that the market has now been reopened, with all shop owners directed through their union to obtain and sign an undertaking, along with a penalty for past violations of distribution regulations.”
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Prime Business Africa had reported that the Onitsha Bridge Head Drug Market was closed by NAFDAC following a raid on the market, which revealed unwholesome practices by some traders such as the distribution of fake, expired and banned/illicit drugs, thereby endangering the lives of people.
NAFDAC shutdown the Ogbo Ogwu and three adjoining markets for one month, beginning from 10 February to 7 March 2025. It said the closure was for sanitisation and regulatory enforcement.
Adeyeye stressed that pharmaceuticals are highly regulated due to their direct impact on public health and national security.
She stated that in line with the NAFDAC Act, “the agency remains committed to ensuring that all drug distribution channels comply with safety and regulatory standards.”
NAFDAC expressed appreciation to the drug market leadership and the Anambra State Government for their cooperation in facilitating this critical intervention.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
