Soludo Backs Full Closure of Onitsha Head Bridge Market in Landmark Crackdown on Fake Drugs

 Soludo Backs Full Closure of Onitsha Head Bridge Market in Landmark Crackdown on Fake Drugs

In a decisive and historic move against the proliferation of counterfeit pharmaceuticals, Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo has fully endorsed the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)’s closure of the Onitsha Head Bridge Market. This bold action, particularly targeting the Ogbo Ogwu section—long suspected as a hub for illicit drug trade—signals a turning point in the fight against fake and substandard medications in Nigeria.

A No-Nonsense Stand Against Fake Drugs

Governor Soludo has left no room for compromise, making it clear that the state government stands with NAFDAC in its bid to eliminate the circulation of fake drugs. He pointed to past enforcement efforts, including the market’s four-month closure in 2007, as evidence that strict actions are necessary to protect public health.

“The enforcement is being carried out by NAFDAC. We are here to solve the problem once and for all,” Soludo stated, reiterating his administration’s resolve to rid the market of life-threatening counterfeit pharmaceuticals that have plagued unsuspecting consumers.

Peter Obi’s Contrasting View: An Appeal for Balance

While former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, strongly condemns the sale of fake drugs, he has called for a more measured approach. Obi argues that the blanket closure has unfairly impacted traders in adjacent markets who have no involvement in illicit drug activities.

Markets such as Rod, Allied and Tools, Plumbing Materials, Timber, Surgical, and Provision Markets have also been shut down, leaving thousands of traders in financial distress. Obi labeled the extended closure “excessive and unjustified,” urging the authorities to reopen these sections immediately to prevent economic collapse among law-abiding business owners.

NAFDAC’s Operation: Exposing the Dark Underbelly of the Market

NAFDAC’s latest enforcement action has been both sweeping and revealing. During its raid, officials discovered large quantities of prohibited drugs cleverly hidden inside plumbing material shops. This operation led to the seizure of two trailer loads of unregistered narcotics, including banned tramadol and other counterfeit drugs.

Dr. Martins Iluyomade, NAFDAC’s South-East Zonal Director, expressed deep concern over the scale of the illicit operations. According to him, the market had become a center for repackaging and revalidating expired drugs under false labels, which were then reintroduced into the market as safe pharmaceuticals.

A New Path: Strategic Relocation of the Market

To prevent future occurrences, Governor Soludo has unveiled a long-term solution—the relocation of the drug market to a state-regulated pharmaceutical hub. The new Anambra Pharmaceutical Hub, situated in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area, is set to become the new nerve center for wholesale drug distribution.

This facility will operate under strict regulations, with oversight from major pharmaceutical regulatory and research institutions. Soludo has given a 24-month timeline for the full relocation, after which any drug trading outside the designated hub will be deemed illegal. Additionally, existing structures at the current market site are slated for demolition to prevent further unauthorized drug sales.

The Public Health vs. Economic Stability Debate

The ongoing debate highlights the challenge of balancing public health priorities with economic stability. While Soludo’s stance prioritizes eliminating fake drugs to protect lives, Obi and other stakeholders emphasize the urgent need to shield innocent traders from financial ruin.

For now, the state government remains resolute in its decision, insisting that public health must come first. However, negotiations are ongoing to ensure that affected traders find alternative means to sustain their businesses while enforcement continues.

 Nigeria’s Fight Against Counterfeit Drugs

The full-scale crackdown on Onitsha Head Bridge Market marks a defining moment in Nigeria’s battle against counterfeit pharmaceuticals. With NAFDAC ramping up its enforcement measures and the Anambra government taking decisive action, the days of illicit drug syndicates thriving in the market are numbered.

While the immediate impact includes economic disruptions for traders, the long-term vision is clear: a fully regulated, safe, and legally compliant pharmaceutical trade environment. If successfully implemented, the Anambra Pharmaceutical Hub could serve as a blueprint for similar interventions nationwide, setting a new standard in the fight against fake and substandard drugs.

For now, all eyes remain on Anambra as the state navigates this complex but critical transition, balancing enforcement with economic sustainability, and most importantly—protecting lives.