Intersociety Demands NAFDAC Refund Over N3bn To Onitsha Drug Market Traders.
The International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) has called on the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to refund over N3 billion allegedly collected from traders at the Onitsha Drug Market in Anambra State. The demand follows months of market closure due to a NAFDAC operation, which sparked significant outcry among affected traders.
According to a statement issued by Mr Emeka Umeagbalasi, Head of Intersociety, alongside Chinwe Umeche, Human Rights Lawyer and Head of Democracy and Good Governance, and Chidinma Evangeline Udegbunam, Head of Religious Freedom and Human Rights, NAFDAC imposed a payment of N700,000 on each shop owner as a prerequisite for reopening the market. Intersociety estimates that between 3,500 and 3,800 traders had paid the fee as of Thursday, 29 May 2025, according to market sources.
The organisation condemned the collection as unjust, demanding that NAFDAC refund the full amount with an additional 20% interest. “No number of excuses or policy defence can justify such imposition and forceful collection from traders who have been kept out of their legitimate businesses for over 90 days,” the statement read.
The closure of the Onitsha Drug Market, a vital hub for pharmaceutical trade, has caused significant financial hardship for traders, prompting widespread criticism of NAFDAC’s actions. Intersociety’s call for a refund underscores growing concerns over the agency’s regulatory approach and its impact on local commerce.
