NAFDAC seals Idumota, Onitsha, Ariaria drug markets in nationwide crackdown on fake medicines

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has shut down the Idumota open drug market in Lagos as part of its ongoing crackdown on counterfeit and substandard medicines in Nigeria.

NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Shaba Mohammed, confirmed to journalists during an enforcement exercise on Tuesday that the market was sealed on Sunday. He noted that similar actions were taken at the Ariaria drug market in Aba and the Onitsha drug market in Anambra.

He explained that the simultaneous week-long enforcement operation targeted the three major drug distribution hubs, responsible for over 80% of medicines in the country.

“Our objective is to eliminate fake, substandard, expired, and rebranded drugs that pose serious health risks to Nigerians,” Mohammed stated.

He further disclosed that security agencies, including the Military Police, Secret Service, and Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, were actively involved in the operation.

Over 5,000 shops, warehouses, and packaging stores are being inspected as part of the effort to rid the markets of counterfeit medical products.

At the Idumota drug market, shop owners were seen cooperating with NAFDAC officials conducting inspections, while armed security personnel ensured order.

Seven fully loaded trucks containing suspected fake drugs, expired medicines, and products with human body part images were seized during the operation.