According to Vanguard, Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State has responded to Peter Obi’s criticism regarding the closure of the plumbing materials markets in Onitsha by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). This closure is part of a broader effort to curb the spread of counterfeit pharmaceuticals in Nigeria.
Recently, NAFDAC closed the entire Head Bridge Market in Onitsha after discovering fake drugs in the Ogbo Ogwu section of the market. During the operation, NAFDAC uncovered counterfeit drugs in several shops, in addition to seizing 10 trucks containing substandard, expired, and falsified pharmaceutical products. The operation also affected other market sections, including those for rods, allied tools, plumbing materials, provisions, and timber.
Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State and 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, expressed concern over the decision to shut down not only the Ogbo Ogwu market but also other adjacent sections of the Head Bridge Market. He argued that the closure of the entire market was unnecessary and detrimental to the livelihoods of the traders, many of whom had no involvement in the sale of counterfeit goods. In a statement issued on February 17, 2025, Obi called for the immediate reopening of the other sections, stating, “Shutting down other neighboring markets not involved in addition to the Ogbo Ogwu Market, such as rod, allied and tools, plumbing materials, timber, surgical, and provision markets, seems excessive and unjustified. I therefore appeal for their immediate reopening, as their continued closure is severely affecting the livelihoods of millions, especially during this difficult period in our country.”
In contrast, Governor Soludo defended NAFDAC’s actions, stating that he had personally confirmed the reasons for the closure of the other sections. According to Soludo, the leadership of the plumbing materials market acknowledged that counterfeit drugs had been found in some shops in their section. He further revealed that these drugs were not only counterfeit but also controlled substances, many of which are banned both locally and globally. Soludo quoted the market leaders: “The leadership of the Plumbing materials market, which was shut down alongside the drug market, confirmed to me that the discoveries made by the Regulators in some shops in the plumbing material market were both shocking and disturbing. Right inside these shops were found cartons of counterfeit and controlled drugs, many of which had been banned globally.”
Soludo raised concerns over how these banned drugs, which are still being produced in India, manage to enter Nigeria through various ports. He called for further investigation into how such drugs make their way to local markets, stressing that only the relevant authorities can answer that question.
Defending NAFDAC’s decision, Soludo emphasized the necessity of regulatory action to enforce standards and eliminate the sale of counterfeit drugs. He also dismissed criticism from certain political figures, stating that the operation was crucial to protecting public health. “The need for NAFDAC to visit the market to enforce standards and check the sale of fake, counterfeit, and controlled drugs is vital,” he stated.
Finally, Soludo urged the Federal Government to focus more on tightening controls at the supply end of the drug distribution chain, including imports. He also mentioned that his government had instructed that the ongoing investigation at the Head Bridge Market be expedited, with the aim of reopening the plumbing materials market as soon as possible to allow legitimate business activities to resume.
In light of these developments, it is clear that the closure of the Head Bridge Market is part of a broader effort to combat the illicit drug trade and safeguard public health, though it has sparked a significant debate on its broader impact on local businesses.
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