Onitsha Drugs Market Closure: Senator Nwoye Seeks Justice for Embattled Traders

By Mary Obi

Senator representing Anambra North Senatorial District, Dr. Tony Nwoye, has condemned the continued closure and alleged extortion of traders at Ogbo Ogwu Market in Onitsha.

The lawmaker was furious that the controversial sealing of over 5,000 shops by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) had not been resolved, adding to economic loss to people of his Constituency.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Senator Nwoye described the situation as a “clear case of regulatory overreach” and called for urgent intervention by both the Federal and Anambra State Governments to address what he termed “gross injustice.”

The closure of the market commenced in February 2025, following a NAFDAC raid on the popular drug market, which left thousands of shop owners unable to access their businesses. Initially, NAFDAC alleged that some traders were dealing in counterfeit medicines; however, Senator Nwoye pointed out that the punitive measures extended far beyond the pharmaceutical sector.

“Entire sections of the market, including traders dealing in non-pharmaceutical items such as paints, plumbing materials, and accessories, were unjustly shut down,” he stated.

While asserting that “traders found culpable in dealing with fake and contraband drugs in the market should be punished,” Senator Nwoye criticized NAFDAC’s imposition of a blanket penalty of ₦500,000 per shop—later raised to ₦700,000—as a condition for reopening the market. He described this demand as “exploitative” and lacking any moral or legal justification.

“To punish over 5,000 traders indiscriminately without due process violates both the spirit and letter of the law,” the Senator asserted. “This is not regulation; it is economic persecution and injustice.”

Reports indicate that over 1,000 shop owners have paid the imposed fee, while many others remain unable to comply due to financial constraints. Senator Nwoye questioned why no other market in Nigeria has faced such mass penalization and demanded the immediate refund of monies already collected from innocent traders.

He also appealed to Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, to further intervene in the matter.

“Ogbo Ogwu Market must be reopened without further delay,” he declared. “I stand in solidarity with the traders and will continue to use all legislative and legal means to press for justice.”

In conclusion, the Senator urged relevant authorities to ensure that regulatory actions in Nigeria remain fair, transparent, and legally sound, without compromising the economic stability of law-abiding citizens.