The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has officially reopened the Bridgehead Drug Market in Onitsha after a month-long closure aimed at sanitizing the facility and enforcing regulatory compliance.
The shutdown, which lasted from February 10 to March 7, also affected Ogbo Ogwu Market and three adjoining markets due to violations in proper drug distribution practices.
In a statement released by NAFDAC, the agency confirmed that stringent administrative measures were put in place before allowing traders to resume operations. Shop owners were required to complete documentation and clearance procedures, with a dedicated NAFDAC desk set up to streamline the process.
Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC Director-General, stressed that the market’s reopening comes with strict conditions.
“All shop owners must sign a compliance undertaking and acknowledge penalties for past regulatory breaches,” she stated. “Only those who meet these requirements will be permitted to operate.”
The agency reiterated that pharmaceuticals remain a highly regulated sector due to their critical impact on public health and national security. NAFDAC commended the cooperation of market leaders and the Anambra State Government in ensuring the enforcement of safety standards.
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