NAFDAC To Unseal Shops In Eziukwu, Ariaria International Markets

The leadership of the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) will today unseal shops that were sealed in two popular markets in Aba, the commercial nerve of Abia State.

NAFDAC had sealed the popular Bakassi zone of Eziukwu/Cemetery Market, Medical and pharmaceutical section of Ekumi Plaza in Ariaria International Market, following the discovery of revalidation and relabelling of expired medicines and beverages, baby foods and among others by some traders with the intent of selling them to unsuspecting members of the public.

Recall that traders, who mostly sell hair and beauty accessories at the Ekumi Plaza expressed frustration over what they described as prolonged shutdown of their shops in the past few weeks by NAFDAC personnel, stating that they have been forced out of business despite not being involved in the sale of medicine and pharmaceutical products.

According to them about 1,000 shops selling hair and beauty products have been affected due to the agency’s crackdown on the medical section of the plaza in the last three weeks.

This is even as their counterparts at line 9, Cemetery Market are complaining the hardship that they face following the shutdown of their zone since the raiding of the zone by NAFDAC.

The reopening of the markets, including the medical section of popular drug market would be performed by the Southeast Director of NAFDAC, Dr. Martins Iluyomade.

The decision to reopen the markets, our correspondent gathered came after several high level discussions were held by the governor of the state, Dr. Alex Otti and the leadership of NAFDAC at the national level.

“The Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti has after prolonged discussions and engagements with the authorities of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration (NAFDAC) at the highest level secured the commitment of the Agency to reopen/unseal all the sections of Ariaria International Market, Eziukwu Market and Tenant Road Drug Market who have been investigated and proven not to be involved in the production and selling of adulterated, expired and fake drugs including consumable products to the public.

“The reopening/unsealing exercise will be performed by the NAFDAC Director, South-East Zone on the 26th day of February .

“The shops found culpable in the wicked, callous and unholy dealings will remain sealed and under lock and keys until the perpetrators are brought to justice or justice taken to them.