Soludo to federal agencies: How do counterfeit drugs enter Nigeria?

Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, has raised concerns over the influx of counterfeit drugs into Onitsha’s Ọgbọ Ogwu market, questioning how banned substances continue to evade federal scrutiny and enter Nigeria’s markets.

During a visit to the market on Thursday, Soludo described the discoveries made by federal regulators as “shocking and disturbing.”

He revealed that cartons of globally banned counterfeit and controlled drugs were found not only in the drug market but also in the neighbouring Plumbing Materials Market.

“With drugs and related matters strictly on the exclusive list, my visit today was interventionist,” Soludo stated.

“The leadership of the Plumbing Materials Market confirmed to me that the regulators’ discoveries in some shops were both shocking and disturbing.”

He criticised the weak enforcement measures that allow such drugs, often manufactured abroad, to enter the country.

“How these drugs, manufactured in India, pass through our various ports and land in our markets remains a question only the relevant authorities can answer,” he said.

Federal agencies, including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), had earlier shut down parts of the market, triggering discontent among traders. Soludo, however, reassured them that businesses not involved in illegal activities would soon resume operations.

“I have directed that the search be expedited so that within ten days, the traders at the Plumbing Materials Market can resume their legitimate commercial activities,” he said.

To address the issue long-term, the Anambra government is constructing a Coordinated Wholesale Drug Centre in Oba, Idemili South LGA, to relocate and regulate pharmaceutical trading.

Soludo reaffirmed his commitment to balancing Onitsha’s status as Africa’s largest trading hub with strict public health and safety measures.

“Onitsha remains the largest trading hub in Africa. We will further expand this status to a more befitting height,” he added.

The governor urged the federal government to strengthen border and port security to prevent counterfeit drugs from entering Nigeria’s markets.