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Posted By Admin On February 19th, 2025

Traders in Onitsha are currently battling losses occasioned by the continuous shutdown of six major markets in the area by security operatives for more than two weeks now.

DAILY POST learnt that Nigerian security operatives had taken over the markets and locked up every shop under the guise of clamping down on fake and expired drugs dealers.

The affected markets, DAILY POST confirmed, include Onitsha Drug market, Oduwani (Power Tools and Allied) market, Surgical Line market, Plumbing Materials market, the Ogbogwu Fashion Line market, the Bridgehead Provision market and part of the Timber Dealers market.

The development came after the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, was said to have contacted the military personnel for its recent operation against drug dealers.

Some of the traders at the Head Bridge market, who spoke to DAILY POST, expressed their frustrations that government agencies have refused to allow lawful businesses to resume.

They also frowned at the approach adopted by NAFDAC in fighting against drug counterfeiting, lamenting the negative impacts the closure of the market has had on them.

One of the traders, who identified himself as Micheal Okoh, said he was not finding it easy any longer. According to him, no time was given to them to prepare for the current situation.

The trader expressed support for the government’s effort in curbing the flow of illicit drugs. He, however, said the exercise should be done with urgency to allow them return to the market.

He said: “They took us unaware. Some people even had cash in their drawers. There are those who solely rely on what they get daily to feed their families. They didn’t give us time to prepare ourselves for this situation.

“I support the government’s efforts in fighting substandard and fake drugs. If there’s any illicit drugs, let them confiscate and evacuate those ones.

“But then, let them do the exercise as fast as possible so that people will resume seeking their source of livelihood.”

One of the market union executives at the Head Bridge drug market, who didn’t want to be mentioned, suggested that the market was being targeted by the government agency.

He said: “We have a meeting today (Tuesday) by 4pm. We heard that NAFDAC has extended the shutting down of the market. Although other markets in Aba and Lagos are witnessing the same thing, it seems that Onitsha is their target.

“The challenge we are having now is that the Chairman of our market trade union is working based on acting capacity. So, he’s not following up the matter as it should be.

“The Governor too has not visited the market. He sent one of his commissioners but he was turned back. The same with the Local Government Chairman. It’s only Mr Peter Obi, and Senator Tony Nwoye that have visited the traders.

“As it stands now, nobody knows the quantity of goods that have been taken away from the market. They are breaking into people’s stores in their absence and carting away goods.

“Moreover, I have millions of naira in my shop and I am worried about it. If someone breaks into your shop and makes away with it, how will you know the person?”

Meanwhile, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Mr Peter Obi, had earlier questioned the rationale behind the continuous closure of the market.

Obi expressed worry that shutting down other neighboring markets not involved, in addition to the popular drug market, seems excessive and unjustified.

The Anambra State ex-governor appealed for immediate reopening of the market, insisting that their continued closure is severely affecting the livelihoods of millions.

He said: “The entire Head Bridge market in Onitsha has been closed by regulatory and security agencies due to suspected trading in illegal drugs within one section of the market known as Ogbo Ogwu.

“While one unequivocally condemns such illicit drug trading activities and urges the government to take all necessary measures to eradicate the sale of fake items, especially drugs, and legally prosecute the perpetrators for the health and safety of society, my concern and appeal are for the immediate reopening of neighbouring markets that were also collaterally affected by the closure.

“Shutting down other neighboring markets not involved, in addition to the Ogbo Ogwu Market, such as Rod, Allied and Tools, Plumbing Materials, Timber, Surgical, and Provision Markets seems excessive and unjustified

“I, therefore, appeal for their immediate reopening, as their continued closure is severely affecting the livelihoods of millions, especially during this difficult period in our country.

“Furthermore, the search should be conducted transparently, with store owners present while their shops are inspected and items removed by the law and due process.”

Obi also criticized the approach adopted by the NAFDAC saying, ”The current strategy should be reconsidered to prevent undue hardship on traders, their families, and the state’s economy.

“A more balanced and transparent approach will enhance both security and economic stability.

“While pursuing the end of enhanced public health, we should not lose sight of the collateral economic effects of adjacent market closures.”

Earlier on Tuesday, the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) said it strongly condemned the militarised approach adopted in the raid on drug dealers.

Intersociety also called on NAFDAC to prevail on the army personnel to leave the six markets as the officers have continued to engage in “unprofessional and corrupt practices.”

“The Intersociety is calling for immediate reopening of the affected markets and refunding of not less than N20billion being losses incurred by the innocent traders of the six affected markets since Sunday, February 9, 2025, particularly traders of the Onitsha Drug Market.”

In a statement signed by Emeka Umeagbalasi, Intersociety Board Chairman, the organisation further said, “We hereby call on the authorities of NAFDAC and their hired officers and personnel and high command of the Nigerian Army to as a matter of uttermost immediacy reopen the militarily, corruptly and unlawfully shutdown Onitsha Drug Market and those located in Idumota in Lagos State and Ariaria in Aba, Abia State.

“NAFDAC must refrain from encouraging corruption and unprofessionalism in the Nigerian military and stop using them to militarize the Agency’s civil and law enforcement operations. Traders of the Onitsha Drug Market and those in Lagos and Abia must steer clear of fake and adulterated drugs or trading on illicit hard drugs such as codeine, cocaine, contraband tramadol and allied others.

“The Executive Governor of Anambra State, Prof Charles Soludo, is hereby called upon to wade into the matter and facilitate speedy reopening of the Onitsha Drug Market and five adjoining others. NAFDAC is further advised to go after fake and illicit drug kingpins responsible and leave innocent others alone who constitute over 95% of the entire Market’s traders.

“Breaking market stores belonging to traders of the Market in their absence and confiscating their goods, whether done in the hours of the blue law or in broad day light, is a serious misconduct and an unlawful act capable of attracting a flurry of lawsuits against the NAFDAC and its hired officers and personnel and high command of the Nigerian Army.”

Speaking to DAILY POST about the matter, a Public Affairs Analyst and Communication Scholar at Peaceland University, Enugu, Nduka Odo, said the development raises serious concerns.

Odo noted that millions of people rely on those markets for their daily income.

“I support the fight against fake drugs. It is crucial. But shutting down entire market areas seems like an overreaction.

“We all know that millions of people rely on these markets for their daily income, and their families will suffer immensely from this sudden disruption.

“Have we asked, what is the fate of those who sell genuine drugs? Our people say that you don’t throw away the dirty water in the bath with the baby.”

Source: https://dailypost.ng/2025/02/19/nafdac-onitsha-traders-groan-as-markets-remain-under-lock/