Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State has vowed to work closely with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in a concerted effort to eliminate fake, substandard, and expired drugs from markets in Onitsha.

Speaking to traders of Ogbo Ogwu and nearby markets on Saturday, Soludo emphasized the seriousness of counterfeit drug sales in the region. The markets had recently been shut down by NAFDAC due to concerns over illicit drug sales. This was not the first time, as the markets were previously closed for four months in 2007 for similar offenses.

“This enforcement is being carried out by NAFDAC. We are here to solve the problem,” Soludo stated, reinforcing his commitment to ensuring the safety of Anambra residents. He added that the presence of counterfeit drugs was a significant threat to public health. “These drugs are so dangerous that taking malaria pills, for instance, can cause further health problems instead of curing malaria,” the governor warned.

Soludo also mentioned a recent conversation with the head of the plumbing market, who expressed shock at the discovery of fake drugs in the area. “He did not know that such illicit drugs could be found here,” Soludo said.

Assuring the traders that the market would soon be sanitized, the governor confirmed that NAFDAC would complete the process swiftly. In response, Chief Ejiofor Chikodi, Chairman of the Onitsha Building Materials Traders Association, pledged to take strict action against anyone caught dealing in counterfeit drugs. “We will ensure that no one stores fake drugs in our shops,” Chikodi promised.

The collaboration between Soludo and NAFDAC aims to bring an end to the growing issue of counterfeit pharmaceuticals in Anambra, ensuring better health outcomes for residents.