NAFDAC Reopens Onitsha Drug Market, Enforces Compliance Undertaking

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reopened the Bridgehead drug market in Onitsha, Anambra State, after a month-long closure for regulatory enforcement.

In a statement on Thursday, NAFDAC’s Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, stated that shop owners must sign an undertaking through their union to comply with distribution regulations. Only those meeting these conditions will be allowed to resume operations.

The market, including Ogbo Ogwu and three adjoining areas, was shut down from February 10 to March 7 over breaches in medicine distribution. Similar enforcement actions were carried out in Kano, Idumota, and Yaba.

To prevent future violations, NAFDAC has introduced stricter administrative measures, requiring shop owners to complete documentation before reopening. A dedicated NAFDAC desk has also been set up to oversee compliance.