The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration (NAFDAC) will unseal all sections of Ariaria International Market, Eziukwu Market, and Tenant Road drug markets today, February 26.
These markets were previously sealed by the agency due to allegations of selling fake and expired drugs. However, shops found to be involved in such activities will remain closed, according to government sources.
The decision to reopen the markets followed intense negotiations between NAFDAC and Governor Alex Otti. In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, Otti warned that those involved in the production and sale of counterfeit drugs would face strict consequences.
The statement made available to Vanguard read: “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 substance 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.”
READ ALSO: NAFDAC Raids Uncover USAID-Donated Drugs in Nigerian Markets, Closes 11,000 Shops
NAFDAC has been raiding drug markets across the country in a renewed war against fake and adulterated drugs.
Tens of truckloads of fake and adulterated drugs have been evacuated from Aba, Onitsha in Anambra and Idumota in Lagos.
NAFDAC has vowed to deal with perpetrators of expired and adulterated products in the country.
(Vanguard Newspaper)
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