By JKNewsMedia
MISLEADING VIDEOS circulating online have prompted a public alert from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), over alleged incitement of traders at Onitsha Bridge Head Market,
The agency cautioned that the actions of the social media influencer involved may violate provisions of the Cybercrime Act and urged security authorities to investigate potential breaches.
A nationwide operation targeting Nigeria’s three largest Open Drug Markets—Idumota, Aba, and Onitsha—led to the seizure and destruction of banned, falsified, substandard, and expired medicines valued at more than ₦1 trillion.
Conducted between 9 February and 27 March 2025, the enforcement uncovered large quantities of illicit narcotics and diverted donation drugs stored in warehouses that failed to meet required standards for distribution and storage.
Investigations by the agency revealed that the premises were not registered by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, a direct violation of federal regulations.
The crackdown followed NAFDAC’s legal mandate to regulate the production, importation, advertisement, sale, and distribution of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, packaged water, and chemicals.
A statement signed by Director General Prof Mojisola Adeyeye said their actions represent an attempt to avoid prosecution for endangering public health through the sale of dangerous substances.
NAFDAC further notes that its inspections also uncovered clear violations of the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods Act C34, which prohibits the sale of drugs in unauthorised locations such as markets, roadside stalls, and transport vehicles.
The agency emphasised that routine surveillance and enforcement are vital to ensuring the integrity of medical products and protecting public health.
Following interventions by state governments, traders were granted a moratorium to relocate to Coordinated Wholesale Centres where regulatory oversight would be enhanced.
The market was reopened on 9 March 2025, and over 2,500 traders across 3,500 shops resumed business under the proper regulatory process.
Agency authorities also confirmed that traders who failed to comply were linked to products categorised as outrightly banned narcotics.
According to NAFDAC’s database, these individuals are part of a cartel now attempting to divert attention from ongoing investigations by fuelling online incitement.
The social media figure at the centre of the controversy allegedly called on the traders to defy regulatory procedures imposed during the enforcement, which was supported by the Office of the National Security Adviser.
The agency noted that relevant law enforcement authorities will determine if the individual has violated any legal statutes, especially regarding digital incitement.
It also said that ongoing efforts aim to ensure that medicines, vaccines, and other regulated products circulating within Nigeria are safe, effective, and of high quality.
NAFDAC further reaffirmed its role in upholding national health standards and combating the distribution of fake or harmful medical products that endanger lives and fuel insecurity.
