Over 3,000 stores in Lagos’ Idumota Open Drug Market have been closed by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in the first week of operations.
The agency said in a statement posted on its X on Sunday, February 16, that during the operation, investigators discovered concerning infractions, such as vaccinations kept in shabby, airless rooms that were iron sheeted and posed serious health hazards.
It claimed that significant shipments of dangerous and prohibited medications, including as injections of analgin, HIV antiretroviral medications that were diverted, and expired medications that were going to be illegally revalidated, were found.
“In the first week of enforcement, NAFDAC screened and sealed over 3,000 shops within the Idumota Open Drug Market in Lagos.
“Among the discoveries were vaccines stored in dilapidated, unventilated rooms sealed with iron sheets in highly unsanitary conditions.
“Additionally, large consignments of banned products, including Analgin injections, diverted-free HIV antiretroviral drugs, expired medicines set for revalidation, and unregistered pharmaceuticals, were found.
“We have evacuated illicit pharmaceuticals equivalent to 12 truckloads. Empty packs and cartons of expired unregistered antimalarial injections were discovered inside a packing shop. The vials were removed.
“Ecstasy (MDMA or Molly), various brands of Codeine Cough Syrup and Tramadol 225, were discovered in a warehouse within the market, away from the pharmaceutical section where other products are sold,” he said.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli