Thousands of traders at the Ogbo-Ogwu Bridgehead Drug Market in Onitsha staged a massive protest on Tuesday over the continued closure of their shops by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). The market, which has been shut for over two months, remains inaccessible to traders, leading to severe financial hardship and reported deaths among members.
Under the banner of the Concerned and Genuine Members of Ogbo-Ogwu Drug Market, the traders marched through major parts of Onitsha, carrying placards with messages such as “We are not merchants of death,” “NAFDAC, stop the intimidation now,” and “We demand justice.” The protesters claim that at least five traders have lost their lives due to depression and hunger, while many others are struggling to survive.
Addressing journalists during the demonstration, the group’s National Convener, Chinedu Ifeacho, and Co-Convener, Emmanuel Ozoemenam, accused NAFDAC of unjustly seizing billions of naira worth of registered pharmaceutical products. They insisted that contrary to the agency’s claims of cracking down on fake drugs, the affected goods were internationally certified and legally imported from countries like the USA, Germany, Turkey, and Pakistan.
The protesters called on the Federal Government to investigate NAFDAC’s actions, alleging that officials unlawfully raided their shops in their absence and carted away over 60 trailer loads of pharmaceutical products.
Among their demands, the traders urged:
An immediate and unconditional reopening of the market.
A thorough investigation into the confiscated drugs.
The prosecution of individuals found guilty of dealing in substandard drugs.
The resignation of the caretaker committee chairman, whom they accused of failing to protect their interests.
They also condemned an alleged N2 million fine imposed by NAFDAC for reopening shops, calling it a criminal levy and urging the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Assembly, and the National Security Adviser to intervene.
A trader, Uchechukwu Ola, shared the devastating impact of the closure: “For two months, we have been unable to feed. This shop is our only source of livelihood. NAFDAC’s claims are false. The drugs they took were genuine and legally registered.”
Despite their grievances, the traders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Federal Government led by President Bola Tinubu and the Anambra State Government under Prof. Chukwuma Soludo. However, they insist that justice must be served, and their livelihoods restored.
As tensions escalate, all eyes are on the government’s next move regarding one of Nigeria’s largest pharmaceutical hubs.
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