The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sent a strong message to drug traders and online influencers: no one will stop its mission to clean up Nigeria’s medicine markets.
NAFDAC made this statement following a viral video where a social media influencer tried to stir up traders at the Onitsha Bridge Head Market against the government’s efforts. The agency has warned that such incitement could break the law under the Cybercrime Act.
But that’s not all.
NAFDAC has already gone to work. Between February and March this year, it stormed major open drug markets in Idumota (Lagos), Aba (Abia), and Onitsha (Anambra). The results? Over one trillion Naira worth of dangerous, expired, and fake drugs were seized and destroyed.
Investigations showed that many drug shops and warehouses were operating in dirty conditions and without registration from the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria. As a result, NAFDAC slammed them with fines. One was initially fined ₦5 million for selling unregistered drugs, which was later reduced to ₦200,000. Another paid ₦500,000 after violating storage rules.
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“These fines were legal and applied fairly,” the agency stressed.
The Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, said the agency will not bow to pressure. “Our job is to protect Nigerians—especially pregnant women, children, and people with health conditions—from harmful medicines,” she said.
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