Consumer Urges Caution As NAFDAC, Drug Dealers Clash Over Market Raids

The ongoing clash between the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and drug traders which exacerbated last week in the Eastern parts of Nigeria has sparked concerns among consumers, who are urging caution and transparency in the regulatory agency’s actions.

 The situation, particularly in Abia and Anambra states, has raised critical questions about the balance between enforcing drug safety regulations and protecting the rights of legitimate business owners.

As gathered by Daily Independent, the menace of counterfeit and expired drugs in Nigeria is an issue that cannot be ignored. 

Over the years, fake pharmaceuticals have contributed to numerous deaths and worsening health conditions among unsuspecting Nigerians.

 NAFDAC’s renewed crackdown, which has seen markets raided and shops sealed in places like Aba, Onitsha, and Idumota, is in line with its mandate to rid the country of adulterated drugs and protect public health.

The agency’s recent operation in Abia State led to the closure of multiple drug markets, including sections of Ariaria International Market, Eziukwu Market, and Tenant Road Drug Market. However, following negotiations with Governor Alex Otti, NAFDAC agreed to unseal shops that were not found culpable while maintaining restrictions on those involved in illegal activities.

Similarly, in Anambra State, traders from the Ogbo Ogwu Bridge Head Market in Onitsha have taken legal action against NAFDAC, alleging that their businesses were unfairly targeted. 

They argue that not all traders in the market engage in counterfeit drug dealings and claim that the agency acted arbitrarily by sealing shops and confiscating goods without due process.

According to Mr. Anselm Umoh, a patent medicine dealer in Lagos, “While NAFDAC’s fight against fake drugs is commendable, consumers find themselves caught in the middle of this power struggle. 

The closure of drug markets, regardless of intention, leads to disruptions in the supply chain of genuine medications, leaving many citizens without access to essential drugs. For those who rely on these markets for affordable medications, prolonged shutdowns only exacerbate an already dire healthcare situation”.

Umoh added, “The legal battle between NAFDAC and traders further complicates the issue. If some traders are indeed innocent, as they claim, then consumers must question whether the agency’s enforcement measures are being executed with fairness and due diligence. The legal action in Anambra, where traders are seeking financial compensation and an injunction against NAFDAC’s actions, highlights the need for regulatory enforcement to be carried out within the framework of the law”.

Without a doubt, the regulatory battle in Anambra has taken on political dimensions with the ongoing disagreement between former Governor Peter Obi and current Governor Charles Soludo playing a role in shaping the discourse. 

Obi, known for his emphasis on economic prudence and market reforms, has criticised what he perceives as excessive regulatory clampdowns that hurt legitimate businesses and the broader economy.

 In contrast, Soludo, an advocate for stricter governance and enforcement, has sided with regulatory agencies like NAFDAC in their efforts to sanitise the drug market.

This political discord has further polarised public opinion, with supporters of both leaders weighing in on whether NAFDAC’s actions are necessary enforcements or overreaching measures.

 While some argue that Soludo’s stance is necessary to protect public health, others believe that Obi’s caution against stifling business is equally valid.

 The unresolved friction between these two political heavyweights adds another layer of complexity to the already contentious issue of drug regulation in Anambra.

However, not a few people engaged by Daily Independent on the issue were unanimous in their views that the crackdown on fake drugs should not be a death sentence for legitimate businesses. They argued that regulatory authorities must ensure that innocent traders are not unfairly punished in the process of sanitising the system. 

While it is crucial to eliminate counterfeit drugs, it is equally important to protect law-abiding businesses and maintain a stable supply of safe pharmaceuticals to the public.

Mr. Kennedy Ibezim, a trader in Mowe, Ogun State argued that “The Abia State government’s intervention in securing the reopening of some markets is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to prevent similar confrontations in the future. There must be a clear distinction between enforcement actions against perpetrators of fake drug sales and indiscriminate market closures that affect all traders”.

On the way forward, Ibezim opined that to achieve a balanced approach, certain measures should be considered, and they cut across thorough investigations before raid, due process and legal framework, dialogue and stakeholder engagement, public awareness campaign and support for genuine traders. 

Explanatorily put, he said NAFDAC should conduct detailed investigations before sealing shops to ensure that only offenders are targeted, and that the agency should adhere strictly to legal procedures, ensuring that search warrants and prior notifications are given before enforcement actions.

In a similar vein, he opined that regular engagement between regulators, market leaders, and business owners can foster better cooperation and prevent unnecessary disputes, and that consumers must be educated on how to identify and report counterfeit drugs, reducing dependence on unregulated sources.

He also suggested that government agencies should provide support to legitimate traders to ensure their businesses thrive while maintaining compliance with safety standards.

However,  not a few respondents to the issue where unanimous in their views that while the fight against fake drugs must continue with full force, it should not come at the expense of legitimate business owners and consumers who depend on safe medications.  

They explained that a fair and transparent enforcement process is crucial in ensuring that justice is served while maintaining public trust in the regulatory system. 

Also, they said that the ultimate goal must be to create a system where consumers can confidently purchase genuine, safe, and effective medicines without fear of falling victim to regulatory overreach or counterfeit products.