The South East Caucus of the House of Representatives has expressed concern over the indefinite closure of the Onitsha Bridgehead Medicine Market in Anambra State, urging the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to prosecute those involved in the sale of fake drugs rather than imposing a blanket shutdown.
Speaking in Abuja, Caucus leader Rep. Igariwey Enwo condemned the activities of traders engaged in the production and distribution of counterfeit medications, stressing that such practices endanger public health and undermine the economy by operating outside government regulations.
While commending NAFDAC’s efforts in combating fake drugs, the lawmakers argued that shutting down the entire market, which serves as a critical hub for medications in the South East and South-South regions, has far-reaching consequences. They emphasized the need for a more targeted approach that focuses on holding offenders accountable while allowing legitimate businesses to continue operating.
They also called on the Nigerian Customs Service to tighten border security to prevent the influx of counterfeit drugs and advocated for a thorough cleanup of the pharmaceutical supply chain nationwide. The lawmakers stressed the importance of balancing regulatory enforcement with economic stability and public health to address the issue of fake drugs effectively.
