Onitsha, Nigeria – Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has reiterated his commitment to combating the sale of fake and counterfeit drugs following his visit to Ọgbọ Ogwu and adjoining markets in Onitsha. The visit comes in response to an ongoing crackdown on substandard and illegal pharmaceuticals in the state.
Speaking during his visit, Governor Soludo acknowledged the significance of Ọgbọ Ogwu as Africa’s largest open drug market, noting that its scale naturally attracts scrutiny from federal regulatory agencies seeking to enforce standards. His visit, he explained, was aimed at understanding the circumstances surrounding the closure of nearby markets in Onitsha, particularly the Plumbing Materials Market, which was shut down alongside the drug market.
According to the governor, findings from regulatory bodies revealed disturbing discoveries within some shops in the Plumbing Materials Market. Authorities reportedly uncovered cartons of counterfeit and controlled drugs, including globally banned substances, raising serious concerns about how these dangerous drugs continue to infiltrate the country.
“How these drugs, which have been banned globally and locally, are still being manufactured in India, pass through our various ports (sea and air), and find their way to our local drug markets remains a question only the relevant authorities can answer,” Soludo stated.
While emphasizing the need to eradicate fake drugs, the governor called on the Federal Government to tighten controls at the supply chain level to prevent the entry of illicit pharmaceuticals into the country. He also assured traders affected by the market closure that the search operation would be expedited, allowing legitimate businesses in the Plumbing Materials Market to resume operations within ten days.
Governor Soludo further highlighted the state government’s ongoing efforts to regulate the pharmaceutical trade by constructing a Coordinated Wholesale Drug Center in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area, which will house the new and standardized Ọgbọ Ogwu market. According to him, this initiative aims to end the current chaotic trading environment that enables the proliferation of counterfeit drugs.
Reaffirming Onitsha’s status as Africa’s largest trading hub, the governor pledged to strengthen its position through improved regulatory measures and infrastructural development.
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The recent crackdown on counterfeit drugs in Onitsha follows increased regulatory action by federal agencies, aiming to rid markets of substandard pharmaceuticals that pose significant health risks. Authorities have warned that the sale of fake and unregistered drugs remains a serious offense, urging stakeholders in the pharmaceutical sector to comply with industry regulations.
As the Anambra State government pushes for a safer and more structured drug market, traders and regulatory bodies are expected to collaborate in ensuring the transition to a more controlled and legally compliant trading environment.
