NAFDAC Rules Out Unconditional Reopening Of Drug Markets

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has firmly denied reports claiming it has unconditionally reopened Nigeria’s open drug markets. The agency described the circulating online claims as false and misleading.

Addressing the media during a press conference held in Lagos on Friday, NAFDAC Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye emphasized that no market or shop had been reopened without meeting regulatory conditions and the payment of investigative charges.

“There is no unconditional opening of any market or shop,” Adeyeye asserted.

“NAFDAC is standing strong. We are not caving in. It is time to protect our people. It is time to stop women dying.”

She clarified that the recent Google news headline suggesting a relaxation of enforcement did not reflect the agency’s actual position.

Providing updates on the agency’s enforcement actions, Prof. Adeyeye disclosed that between February 9 and March 27, 2025, over ₦1 trillion worth of counterfeit, expired, falsified, and substandard medicines, including narcotics, were seized during operations in open drug markets such as Idumota (Lagos), Ariaria (Aba), and the Onitsha Bridgehead market.

“At the Bridgehead market alone, we evacuated 137 40-foot truckloads of illicit drugs, including 10 full truckloads of unregistered Tramadol,” she revealed.

She reiterated that shop owners affected by the crackdown must comply with strict guidelines to regain temporary access to their premises.

“It is simple: you come, pay the charges, and sign the agreement. Then we reopen your shop—temporarily and under strict conditions. You are not staying there permanently.”

Prof. Adeyeye noted that none of the affected shops possessed valid site licences issued by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), a requirement for operating a pharmaceutical business. While acknowledging that some shops might have complied, she defended the mass closure as necessary to restore order.

“When nine out of ten shops are in violation, we cannot leave one open. This action was essential to restore order.”

She also pointed out that the main resistance to compliance is coming from individuals involved in the illegal importation and distribution of narcotics.

“These individuals are bringing in narcotics to destroy the minds of our youth. We must stop that.”

Prof. Adeyeye explained that the enforcement action aligns with a presidential directive mandating the relocation of open drug markets to Coordinated Wholesale Centres (CWC). She cited Kano as a success story, where drug traders were relocated after a decade-long legal battle.

“For 10 years, they took PCN to court, halting regulation. But a landmark judgement ended that. With the support of 150 security personnel, we enforced their relocation to the Kano CWC.”

She added that these actions are part of Nigeria’s commitment to aligning with global health and trade standards.

“We want to trade globally. But that requires following global practices. If not, we cannot boost our GDP or create jobs.”

Prof. Adeyeye warned of the severe health risks posed by counterfeit and substandard drugs, especially for patients with chronic conditions.

“Someone with hypertension or diabetes taking substandard medicine from these markets could die. That is what we are trying to prevent.”

She concluded with a strong dismissal of the misinformation circulating online, “Whatever is circulating online about unconditional reopening is false. NAFDAC is not caving in. We remain firm in our commitment to public health and safety.”