The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has defended its recent enforcement actions at Onitsha Bridge Head Market, Anambra State, following a wave of criticism on social media.
The backlash was fuelled by a viral video posted by controversial influencer Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, who alleged that NAFDAC demanded ₦700,000 from each shop owner as a condition for reopening their premises after widespread closures.
Although NAFDAC did not directly address this specific allegation, it emphasised that traders who complied with regulatory requirements had been allowed to resume operations. According to the agency, over 2,500 traders occupying 3,500 shops have been operational since 9 March 2025.
In a statement signed by its Director General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC clarified that the enforcement exercise conducted between 9 February and 27 March 2025 targeted unregistered, banned, expired, substandard, and falsified medicines, including controlled substances.
The raids took place across three major open drug markets: Idumota (Lagos), Ariaria (Aba), and Bridge Head (Onitsha), resulting in the seizure and destruction of counterfeit medicines valued at over ₦1 trillion.
The agency stated that the targeted markets failed to meet Good Storage and Distribution Practices and were not properly registered with the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria.
NAFDAC noted that respective state governments had intervened by granting a moratorium to enable traders to relocate to Coordinated Wholesale Centres that meet regulatory standards.
“Due to the intervention of state governments, traders were granted a moratorium to relocate to Coordinated Wholesale Centres where their operations can be properly monitored and controlled. They remain accountable for past infractions, serving as a deterrent in line with gazetted regulations,” the statement said.
NAFDAC confirmed that the market reopened on 9 March 2025, with over 2,500 traders resuming activities at Ogbogwu Market after meeting regulatory conditions.
“The few remaining shops that remain closed belong to owners who have refused to identify themselves. These shops are linked to outrightly banned narcotics, as shown in our database. A cartel and its collaborators are behind incitements designed to distract from the real issue and evade justice for crimes against public health,” the statement continued.
NAFDAC also expressed concern over the videos posted by VeryDarkMan, describing them as potentially inciteful and possibly in breach of the Cybercrime Act.
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“The agency has noted misleading and provocative videos posted by a social media influencer inciting traders at Onitsha Bridge Head Market. This incitement could amount to a violation of the Cybercrime Act,” it warned.
NAFDAC urged law-abiding citizens to go about their legitimate activities, assuring the public that those responsible for the sale of counterfeit medicines and contributing to public insecurity will be prosecuted.
“The influencer in question has openly encouraged defiance of regulatory procedures following an enforcement operation undertaken in conjunction with the Office of the National Security Adviser. Law enforcement agencies will determine whether his actions amount to legal violations, particularly in relation to incitement through social media,” the statement added.
NAFDAC reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all medical products used in Nigeria medicines, vaccines, medical devices, and othersare of good quality, safe, and effective.
“We continue to monitor these products to prevent unnecessary deaths, particularly among pregnant women, children, and those with chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. NAFDAC operates strictly within its legal mandate,” the statement concluded.
