“It Was Reduced from ₦7m”: NAFDAC Defends ₦700k Fine on Drug Traders in Onitsha, Lagos, Aba

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has defended its decision to impose fines on drug traders in Lagos, Onitsha, and Aba, clarifying that the ₦700,000 penalty was reduced from an initial ₦7 million charge. The agency issued a statement on Tuesday, signed by its Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, addressing recent backlash and misleading social media videos that incited traders at the Onitsha Bridge Head Market against government regulatory efforts.

Between February and March 2025, NAFDAC carried out enforcement operations targeting major open drug markets in Idumota (Lagos), Aba (Abia), and Onitsha (Anambra). The raids led to the seizure and destruction of banned, expired, falsified, and substandard medicines valued at over one trillion Naira. Investigations revealed that many warehouses and shops violated Good Storage and Distribution Practice standards and were not registered with the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, breaching national laws.

NAFDAC emphasized that the fines and penalties imposed on offending traders were part of its regulatory mandate and are officially gazetted. Charges initially set at ₦5 million for unregistered products and ₦2 million for storage violations were reduced to ₦200,000 and ₦500,000, respectively, following appeals. The agency stated its commitment to protecting public health by ensuring medical products in Nigeria are safe and effective and insisted that it will continue enforcing regulations despite attempts to undermine its efforts.

However, the fines have sparked strong criticism. Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate and former Anambra State Governor, condemned the ₦700,000 levy on traders, calling it unjust and harmful to small business owners already struggling in Nigeria’s fragile economy. Obi urged for a fair distinction between offenders and compliant traders, warning that blanket penalties could worsen the plight of over seven million micro, small, and medium enterprises nationwide.

Similarly, Senator Tony Nwoye representing Anambra North, described the market closure and fines as regulatory overreach and economic persecution. He highlighted that the shutdown affected thousands of traders beyond pharmaceuticals, including those selling paints and plumbing materials. Nwoye called on federal and state governments to intervene, noting that over 5,000 shops were sealed and many traders were unfairly penalized without due process. According to reports, while some traders have paid the fees, many remain unable to do so due to financial hardship.

The Onitsha Bridge Head Market remains closed since February 2025 as NAFDAC continues its crackdown on counterfeit medicines, with tensions high between regulatory authorities and traders facing hefty fines amid Nigeria’s challenging economic conditions.