The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has intensified its fight against counterfeit and substandard drugs in Nigeria, seizing over 10 truckloads of illicit medicines during an ongoing crackdown at the Onitsha Bridgehead drug market in Anambra State.
The large-scale operation, which began on February 10, 2025, led to a shocking discovery: banned and counterfeit drugs hidden inside plumbing materials shops.
Among the seized items were two trailer loads of unregistered narcotics, expired medicines, and banned tramadol.
Dr. Martins Iluyomade, NAFDAC’s South-East Zonal Director, stated that the agency expanded its search beyond drug stores following intelligence reports.
The findings raised serious concerns about the safety of consumers unknowingly purchasing fake medications.
He further revealed that some of the counterfeit drugs bore fraudulent NAFDAC approval claims, deceiving unsuspecting buyers.
The Onitsha drug market, known as Ogbo-Ogwu, has long been suspected of serving as a hub for repackaging and reselling expired and falsified medications. The operation has so far removed billions of naira worth of substandard drugs from circulation.
Iluyomade stressed the need for stricter penalties for counterfeit drug dealers, citing China’s death penalty for fake medicine distribution, while Nigeria’s laws offer only a few years in prison or an option of a fine.
In response to the shocking discovery, Chief Ejiofor Chikodi, Chairman of the Onitsha Building Materials Traders Association, announced new penalties: any shop owner caught with counterfeit drugs will face a ₦500,000 fine.
NAFDAC has vowed to continue its enforcement operations to dismantle illegal drug networks and protect public health.
The agency remains committed to ensuring compliance with strict safety regulations to curb the circulation of dangerous medicines in Nigeria.
