The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reopened shops belonging to traders in Abia markets who were cleared of any wrongdoing after a crackdown on counterfeit drugs and substandard goods. Martins Iluyomade, NAFDAC’s South-East Zonal Director, announced the decision following an appeal from the Abia State government.
Only those proven innocent will regain access to their shops, while individuals involved in selling fake medicines will be prosecuted. Iluyomade reaffirmed NAFDAC’s dedication to cleaning up the drug market and safeguarding public health.
The reopening comes as a relief for traders uninvolved in the distribution of counterfeit drugs. Representatives from Eziukwu Market, Ariaria International Market, Ekumi Plaza, and Tenant Road Medicine Dealers participated in a roundtable discussion on the matter.
Meanwhile, Afenifere, a pan-Yoruba sociopolitical group, has urged the Federal Government to ensure the safety of NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, who has received death threats. Adeyeye previously highlighted the risks NAFDAC officials face in the fight against fake drugs and renewed her call for harsher punishments, including the death penalty, for offenders.
Afenifere cautioned that “any attack on Adeyeye would be an assault on national security” and called on President Bola Tinubu to enhance security for her, her family, and NAFDAC officials.
