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NAFDAC’s Shutdown Of Onitsha Drug Market Will Cause Economic Ruin – Intersociety

3 hours ago 20

The International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) has launched a national campaign to re-open the Onitsha Drug Market, shut down by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Emeka Umeagbalasi, Board Chairman of Intersociety in a statement made available to Journalists in Enugu on Wednesday called for an end to the collective punishment of innocent traders and the restoration of their livelihoods.

Umeagbalasi who lamented that the Onitsha Drug Market, has been shut down by NAFDAC and security operatives since February 9, 2025, said “The market, which provides livelihoods for thousands of traders and their dependents, has been subjected to a militarist shutdown, with traders denied access to their shops and goods”.

He condemned the shutdown, describing it as collective punishment of some innocent traders and calling on NAFDAC and security operatives to restore the livelihoods of the affected traders.

Umeagbalasi “We have written a letter to Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State, calling for the immediate re-opening of the market to protect the livelihoods of innocent traders.

The group also called for a thorough investigation into the alleged operational illegalities and corrupt practices by NAFDAC officials and security operatives.

He said “We petitioned other key authorities, including the Minister of Health, the Director General of NAFDAC, the Inspector General of Police, and the Chief of Army Staff, calling for their intervention in the matter.

“The shutdown of the Onitsha Drug Market has had far-reaching consequences, not only for the traders but also for the economy of the Southeast as the continued shutdown of the market could lead to economic ruin.