The House of Representatives South-East caucus has asked National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to reopen Onitsha Bridgehead Market in Anambra State for the public good.
The caucus says restoring access to the market is key to those who depend on it for their livelihoods so they can operate lawfully and earn a living.
Iduma Igariwey of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) representing Ebonyi made this request at a press conference in Abuja at the National Assembly Complex on Tuesday.
NAFDAC had earlier shut down over 4,000 shops in Onitsha, 3,027 in Lagos and 4,000 in Aba as part of its nationwide war against counterfeit and substandard drugs.
The caucus has condemned the criminal networks behind the manufacture and distribution of fake and adulterated drugs saying they are agents of mortality and economic disruptors and that their activities have led to deaths.
Igariwey described these criminals as “agents of mortality and economic disruptors” and said their operations are not regulated by government.
He commended NAFDAC for dismantling these “agents of mortality” across the country but urged the agency not to punish innocent and law-abiding traders and consumers for the misdeeds of a few criminals.
The lawmaker said the indefinite closure of the market has done a lot of collateral damage especially to medicine users in South East and South South regions.
He said NAFDAC should focus on arresting and prosecuting the individuals involved in the production and distribution of counterfeit drugs instead of a blanket closure.
Igariwey said a total shut down of the market which is over 90% of the medicine supply to the regions may not be the best option as many of the traders are reputable business men.
He asked for a targeted approach where the offenders are prosecuted and the pharmaceutical sector is cleaned in regions like Onitsha, Aba, Lagos and Kano.
He also urged Nigeria Customs Service to intensify its security along land, sea and air borders to prevent counterfeit and adulterated drugs from entering the country.George Ozodinobi representing Njikoka/Dunukofia/Anaocha Federal Constituency in Anambra State also wants NAFDAC to consider those who depend on daily medication for their health.
He supports NAFDAC’s anti-counterfeit drugs campaign and says reopening the market will allow genuine traders to earn a living and access to original drugs for the public.