The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has defended its recent enforcement operations at Onitsha Bridge Head Market, Anambra State, following criticism circulating on social media.
A viral video by controversial influencer Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, claimed that NAFDAC demanded N700,000 from each store owner as a condition for reopening their businesses after several were closed.
NAFDAC did not explicitly address this issue, but did highlight that traders who met regulatory standards were allowed to resume operations, with over 2,500 traders in 3,500 outlets open since March 9, 2025.
In a statement signed by Director General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC highlighted that the enforcement, which took place between February 9 and March 27, 2025, targeted unregistered, illegal, expired, substandard, and faked pharmaceuticals, including regulated substances.
The searches occurred at three main open drug markets: Idumota (Lagos), Ariaria (Aba), and Bridgehead (Onitsha), resulting in the confiscation and destruction of pharmaceuticals worth over N1 trillion.
The agency noted that these markets did not follow Good Storage and Distribution Practices and were not properly registered with the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria.
NAFDAC stated that state governments had issued a moratorium, allowing dealers to relocate to a Coordinated Wholesale Centre that meets regulatory requirements.
“Due to the intervention of respective state governments, traders were given a moratorium to relocate to a conducive Coordinated Warehouse Centre where their activities can be monitored and controlled, while they remain accountable for previous infractions as a deterrent in accordance with gazetted regulations.
“The market reopened on March 9, 2025, and over 2,500 traders with 3,500 shops who complied with regulatory procedures have resumed normal activities at Ogbogwu Market.
“It is important to note that the few remaining shops whose owners have refused identification are those linked to outrightly banned narcotics according to our database. The cartel and their co-conspirators are responsible for incitements aimed at diverting attention from the real issues to evade justice for heinous crimes against humanity,” the statement said.
The agency also expressed concern over VDM’s videos, describing them as potentially inciting and possibly in breach of the Cybercrime Act.
“The agency’s attention has been drawn to misleading videos trending on social media inciting traders at Onitsha Bridge Head Market by a social media influencer. NAFDAC wishes to alert the public and security agencies to this incitement, which may constitute a violation of the Cybercrime Act,” the statement partly read.
NAFDAC called on law-abiding citizens to continue their normal activities, assuring that those involved in selling fake drugs and contributing to insecurity will be identified and prosecuted.
“The influencer has openly encouraged his audience to defy NAFDAC’s regulatory processes following enforcement operations conducted under the Office of the National Security Adviser. The agency will allow law enforcement to determine if he has violated any laws, particularly regarding incitement through video content.
“NAFDAC remains committed to ensuring that all medical products medicines, vaccines, medical devices, and others used in Nigeria are of good quality, safe, and efficacious. We continue to monitor these commodities to prevent deaths among pregnant women, children, and adults living with chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. NAFDAC operates strictly within its mandate,” the statement added.
