From Kenneth Udeh
Senator Tony Nwoye, representing Anambra North Senatorial District, has issued a scathing condemnation of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) over the continued closure and alleged extortion of traders at Ogbo Ogwu Market, Onitsha, following the controversial sealing of more than 5,000 shops.
In a strongly worded press statement released yesterday, Senator Nwoye described the actions of the agency as “a clear case of regulatory overreach” and called on both the Federal and Anambra State Governments to urgently address what he termed a “gross injustice” being inflicted on thousands of innocent traders.
The closure, which began in February 2025 after a NAFDAC-led raid on the bustling pharmaceutical hub, was initially linked to allegations that some vendors were dealing in counterfeit and substandard medicines.
However, Senator Nwoye noted that the punitive measures imposed by NAFDAC extended far beyond pharmaceutical vendors and indiscriminately affected thousands of law-abiding traders.
“Entire sections of the market, including traders dealing in non-pharmaceutical items such as paints, plumbing materials, and accessories, were unjustly shut down,” he lamented.
While affirming his firm stance against the sale of fake or contraband drugs, the Senator stressed that only individuals found guilty should be held accountable.
“Traders found culpable in dealing with fake and contraband drugs in the market should be punished,” he stated unequivocally.
Senator Nwoye recounted his visit to the market shortly after the raid, alongside former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, as well as other Federal and State lawmakers.
During the visit, the delegation met with affected traders and witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of the prolonged closure on the local economy.
Of particular concern, Senator Nwoye said, was NAFDAC’s controversial demand that each shop owner pay a penalty fee of ₦500,000 later increased to ₦700,000—as a precondition for reopening. He labelled the financial demand as “exploitative” and lacking any sound legal basis.
“To punish over 5,000 traders indiscriminately without due process is to violate both the spirit and letter of the law,” he declared. “This is not regulation, it is economic persecution.”
According to reports, over 1,000 shop owners have already paid the imposed fee, while thousands of others remain financially incapable of doing so. Senator Nwoye expressed outrage over the selective enforcement and questioned why no other market in Nigeria has experienced such sweeping and punitive action.
He demanded an immediate refund of all monies collected from innocent traders and urged Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, to step up his intervention in the matter.
“Ogbo Ogwu Market must be reopened without further delay,” Senator Nwoye stated firmly. “I stand in solidarity with the traders and will continue to use all legislative and legal means to press for justice.”
He concluded by calling on all relevant authorities to ensure that regulatory activities in Nigeria are conducted with fairness, transparency, and strict adherence to the rule of law without compromising the economic livelihood of innocent and law-abiding citizens.