In the ongoing battle against counterfeit drugs, expired products, and illegal pharmaceutical practices, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has intensified its operations nationwide. Recently, Abia state witnessed a significant crackdown that led to the sealing of markets, raising concerns among traders who believe they are being unjustly affected.
On February 10th, NAFDAC conducted a raid at the popular Ekumi Plaza within the Ariaria International Market. The operation uncovered millions of naira worth of fake, expired, and contraband drugs, prompting the agency to seal the plaza. While this action is part of NAFDAC’s commitment to ensuring public safety, it has sparked appeals for intervention from traders who insist they are not involved in illegal activities.
According to reports, a total of 1,300 shops were locked during the operation. However, traders argue that only 300 of these shops are involved in the sale of pharmaceuticals. The remaining 1,000 shops house traders dealing in cosmetics, weaves, and hair accessories, who have been inadvertently affected by the closure despite having no involvement in the sale of illegal drugs.
Mr. Chibuike Johnson Eze, Chairman of Beauty, Hair, and Accessories at Ekumi Plaza, voiced his concern to NATIONAL CONCORD over the prolonged closure, highlighting the severe impact on innocent traders.
“Out of the 1,300 shops in this market, only 300 belong to drug sellers, while 1,000 are occupied by traders dealing in cosmetics, weavons, and hair accessories. The actions of a few should not cripple the livelihoods of over a thousand innocent traders. We urge Governor Alex Chioma Otti to intervene on our behalf,” he stated.
Since after two weeks of the market closure without any head way the Market leaders have reached out to Hon. Alex Mascot Ikweche, the member representating Aba North and South in the Federal House of Representatives, seeking his assistance in resolving the issue.
A trader and a shop owner, Mr. Uchechukwu Victor Chukwu, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the plight of innocent traders. “We fully support NAFDAC’s mission to eliminate fake and expired drugs from the market. However, we, the innocent traders, should not bear the brunt of others’ crimes. In these challenging economic times, we desperately need government intervention to allow us to resume our businesses.”
The emotional toll of the situation was shared by Mrs. Amarachi Chukwu, another trader. She revealed that many children have been sent home from school due to their parents’ inability to pay fees. “Both my husband and I operate businesses in this plaza. Since the closure, feeding our family has become a struggle. My children have been sent home from school because I cannot afford their fees. We rely on daily sales to survive and are pleading with the government for help.”
While NAFDAC’s efforts to eradicate counterfeit drugs are commendable, it is crucial to ensure that law-abiding business owners are not unjustly impacted, especially given the current economic hardships. To date, searches conducted in over 500 shops selling cosmetics, weaves, and hair accessories have found no illegal substances, reinforcing the claims of innocent traders.
It is hoped that the Abia State Government, Hon. Alex Mascot Ikweche, and the Mayor of Aba North will collaborate to facilitate a resolution, enabling legitimate traders to return to their businesses and sustain their livelihoods. As of this report, security agencies and NAFDAC operatives continue to enforce the market closure, with officials declining to comment further.
This situation underscores the need for a balanced approach in addressing illegal activities while safeguarding the interests of innocent entrepreneurs.
