The Anambra State House of Assembly has called on the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to hasten its inspection and verification process at the Bridgehead Drug Market in Onitsha.
The lawmakers made this appeal in response to the economic hardship faced by traders, who have been unable to conduct business for 21 days due to the market’s closure.
The resolution followed a motion moved by Chief Tony Moubike, representing Aguata Constituency 2. He urged the market leadership to establish a monitoring committee to identify and report individuals engaged in drug counterfeiting, ensuring such issues do not recur.
Moubike emphasized that regulating the importation, manufacturing, advertising, distribution, and sale of pharmaceutical products is NAFDAC’s responsibility. He commended the agency’s efforts to eliminate counterfeit and expired drugs, highlighting its importance for public health.
Supporting the motion, Mr. Jude Umennajiego (Onitsha South Constituency 2) described drug counterfeiters as “mass murderers” and urged authorities to consider the plight of innocent traders affected by the closure.
Similarly, Mr. Ejike Okechukwu (Anaocha Constituency 2) stressed the need for strict screening, citing an increase in brain-related health issues linked to substandard and illicit drugs.
Majority Leader Mr. Ikenna Ofodeme criticized traders for prioritizing leadership disputes over ensuring drug quality. He appealed to NAFDAC to reopen adjoining markets, such as plumbing and fashion outlets, which were also affected by the closure.
Speaker of the House, Mr. Somtochukwu Udeze, urged NAFDAC to enhance border and seaport security to curb drug importation issues. He joined lawmakers in calling on the agency’s Director-General to fast-track the verification process and reopen the market to alleviate the suffering of legitimate traders.
House proceedings were adjourned until Thursday, February 27.
