The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has sealed the Idumota open drug market in Lagos State as part of its intensified efforts to combat the sale of fake and substandard medicines in Nigeria.
NAFDAC’s Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Shaba Mohammed, revealed this during an enforcement exercise on Tuesday, stating that the market was officially shut down on Sunday.
According to him, the agency’s action is aimed at curbing the circulation of counterfeit drugs that pose serious health risks to Nigerians.
The crackdown is not limited to Lagos, as NAFDAC also sealed the Ariaria drug market in Aba, Abia State, and the Onitsha drug market in Anambra State.
These markets have been identified as major hubs for the distribution of unregulated pharmaceutical products, raising concerns about public health and safety.
According to Mohammed, the agency would sustain its operations until illegal drug markets across the country are eradicated. He urged traders and pharmaceutical dealers to comply with regulatory standards to avoid severe consequences, including permanent closure and legal action.
