VeryDarkBlackMan (VDM) has exposed Onitsha’s Ogbo-Ogu market over NAFDAC’s demand for a N700,000 reopening fee for each shop. The agency shut down the market on February 8, 2025, citing the sale of fake drugs.
According to reports, over 1,000 shop owners have paid the fee, while others struggle to afford it. Critics argue that NAFDAC’s actions constitute extortion, as the agency is punishing law-abiding traders alongside those selling counterfeit products.
The market, home to over 5,000 shops, was closed for three months after NAFDAC’s initial shutdown. The agency’s actions have sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for government intervention.
The Issues at Stake
– Extortion Allegations: Shop owners claim NAFDAC’s demand for payment from all traders is unfair.
– Fake Drug Concerns: NAFDAC’s efforts to combat counterfeit drugs are crucial for public health.
– Economic Impact: The market closure and reopening fees have significant economic implications for traders.
A Call to Action
The situation highlights the need for a balanced approach to regulating the pharmaceutical industry. NAFDAC must ensure public safety while avoiding measures that harm legitimate businesses.
Government intervention could help resolve the issue and prevent future conflicts. The fate of Onitsha’s market and its thousands of traders hangs in the balance.
