NAFDAC to close 52 exit routes at Onitsha drug market

As part of efforts to ensure security and protection of properties at the open Bridge Head drug market, Onitsha, the market executive has moved to shut down all the 52 adjoining exit routes to the market to avoid its closure by NAFDAC.

Besides, the market leadership said it has set in motion, arrangements to raise funds to build and equip the NAFDAC office in Anambra State, as well as that of the representatives of the pharmacists and police in the market.

Speaking in support of the closure, a member of the market caretaker committee, Mr. Mike C.J. Madu contended that the move was to forestall any smuggling of fake or adulterated drugs into the market.

Madu, who spoke on behalf of the chairman of Onitsha Bridge-Head Drug Market, Mr. Ugo Nwosu told newsmen in an interview that, “the essence of citing offices for NAFDAC, pharmaceutical and police officials is for proper inspection of all drugs coming into the market.

“These buildings are being constructed through the good will and contributions of some drug importers as well as other well meaning pharmaceutical companies who do business in the drug market”.

“These offices which have reached advanced stage was borne out of the agreement reached with NAFDAC, representatives of the Federal Ministry of Health and other stakeholders in a bid to forestall any closure of the market as earlier announced by the Federal Government”, he said.

Madu maintained that fake and adulterated drugs were no longer imported, distributed or sold in the open Bridge Head market, stressing that with the collaborative efforts of members of the caretaker committee, sanity had finally returned to the drug market.

He also revealed that talks had reached advanced stage for fencing of the entire market to ensure adequate security and supervision.