The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has imposed stringent regulatory measures as it reopens the Bridgehead Drug Market in Onitsha, Anambra State.
After a month-long closure for sanitization and regulatory reforms, the market reopened on March 7, following its shutdown on February 10.
NAFDAC stated that the closure was essential to rectify significant flaws in the medicine distribution system. In a statement on its official X handle on Wednesday, the agency emphasized that the market’s reopening was contingent on strict conditions designed to prevent future violations.
NAFDAC emphasized that shop owners had to fulfill documentation and clearance requirements before their shops could be reopened. To streamline the process and ensure compliance with regulatory standards, the agency set up a dedicated desk to assist with the necessary procedures.
Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of NAFDAC, stressed that compliance with regulatory standards was compulsory for all shop owners, who were required to sign an undertaking through their union as a formal pledge of adherence.
“The market has reopened, but only shop owners who comply with new regulations will be permitted to operate, Adeyeye announced. To resume business, they must sign an undertaking and pay penalties for previous violations of distribution rules. Emphasizing the importance of strict oversight, Adeyeye stressed that pharmaceuticals are heavily regulated due to their critical role in public health and national security.
NAFDAC emphasized its dedication to enforcing safety and regulatory standards as mandated by the NAFDAC Act. The agency also acknowledged the vital role played by the Anambra State Government and market leadership in supporting its intervention efforts.
The reopening of the Bridgehead Drug Market marks a significant step toward restoring confidence in Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector. With NAFDAC pledging stringent oversight, stakeholders see this as an opportunity to reinforce ethical drug distribution and curb the sale of counterfeit medicines.
