The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a stern warning against what it describes as attempts to incite traders at the Onitsha Bridge Head Market against government regulatory efforts through misleading social media videos.

In an official press release, NAFDAC alerted the public and security agencies about these incitements, noting that such actions could potentially violate the Cybercrime Act.

The agency also clarified the administrative charges imposed for reopening shops in the Onitsha market following its recent enforcement operations. According to NAFDAC, two key charges were enforced: an investigative fee of N5 million for the sale of unregistered products, which was later reduced to N200,000 after appeals; and a separate N2 million charge for violating Good Storage and Distribution Practices, also reduced to N500,000.

Nationwide Enforcement Operations

Between February 9 and March 27, 2025, NAFDAC conducted extensive enforcement operations targeting three major Open Drug Markets across Nigeria: Idumota in Lagos, Aba in Abia State, and Onitsha in Anambra State.

These operations resulted in the seizure and destruction of banned, expired, falsified, and substandard medicines and controlled substances valued at over one trillion Naira. Investigations revealed widespread non-compliance with regulatory standards.

"The warehouses, shops, and distribution outlets in these markets failed to meet Good Storage and Distribution Practice standards and were not registered with the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, in clear violation of national laws," the statement noted.

Regulatory Actions and Fee Reductions

NAFDAC emphasized that the investigative charges imposed on offending operators are officially gazetted and were applied fairly across all affected markets. The agency highlighted its responsiveness to appeals by significantly reducing the initial charges.

The original N5 million investigative charge for selling unregistered products was reduced by 96% to N200,000, while the N2 million charge for violating Good Storage and Distribution Practices was reduced by 75% to N500,000.

Commitment to Public Health

In the press release signed by Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, Director-General/CEO of NAFDAC, the agency reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public health by ensuring that all medical products circulating in Nigeria meet safety, efficacy, and quality standards.

"By enforcing compliance with regulations, the Agency aims to protect the most vulnerable, including pregnant women, children, and individuals with chronic conditions," the statement read.

NAFDAC assured the public that it would continue to operate within its legal mandate and would not be deterred by attempts to derail critical regulatory reforms aimed at protecting Nigerian consumers from harmful medical products.