The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration, NAFDAC, will reopen all portions of Ariaria International Market, Eziukwu Market, and Tenant Road drugs markets that were closed by the agency last week due to alleged involvement in the distribution of counterfeit and expired medications.
The decision to open the impacted markets came after intensive negotiations between the agency and Governor Alex Otti.
The Abia state governor issued a statement warning that individuals found guilty of creating and marketing counterfeit pharmaceuticals will face severe consequences.
The statement in part reads: “The Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr Alex Chioma Otti has after prolonged discussions and engagements with the authorities of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration (NAFDAC) at the highest level secured the commitment of the Agency to reopen/unseal all the sections of Ariaria International Market, Eziukwu Market and Tenant Road Drug Market who have been investigated and proven not to be involved in the production and selling of adulterated, expired and fake drugs including consumable products to the public.
“The reopening/unsealing exercise will be performed by the NAFDAC Director, South-East Zone on the 26th day of February, 2025. The shops found culpable in the wicked, callous and unholy dealings will remain sealed and under lock and key until the perpetrators are brought to justice or justice is taken to them.
“The Abia State Government frowns at the practice of producing or selling poisonous substances to the citizens in the name of business and will continue to partner and support NAFDAC until the State is completely cleared of fake, adulterated and expired drugs including other consumable products and the culprits arrested to face the full weight of the law.”
NAFDAC has been raiding drug marketplaces across the country in a renewed effort to combat counterfeit and contaminated drugs. Tens of truckloads of counterfeit and contaminated drugs have been removed from Aba, Onitsha in Anambra, and Idumota in Lagos.
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