The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has raised the alarm over what it described as misleading videos circulating on social media, alleging that a social media influencer is attempting to incite traders at the Onitsha Bridge Head Market against federal regulatory efforts.
In a press release on Tuesday signed by NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye and posted via X, the agency warned that such incitement could amount to a breach of the Cybercrime Act and urged relevant security agencies to take note.
“NAFDAC hereby alerts the public and relevant security agencies to this incitement, which may amount to a breach of the Cybercrime Act,” the statement read.
NAFDAC noted that the warning comes in the wake of a nationwide enforcement operation carried out by its officials between February 9 and March 27, 2025, targeting major open drug markets in Idumota (Lagos), Aba (Abia), and Onitsha (Anambra).
The operation resulted in the seizure and destruction of banned, expired, falsified, and substandard medicines and controlled substances estimated to be worth over one trillion naira.
“Investigations revealed that the warehouses, shops, and distribution outlets in these markets failed to meet Good Storage and Distribution Practice (GSDP) standards and were not registered with the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), in clear violation of national laws,” the agency said.
In line with federal regulations, NAFDAC imposed investigative charges on the offending operators.
“As part of regulatory actions, investigative charges were imposed on the offending operators as stipulated in federal government regulations. These included: A ₦5,000,000 investigative charge for the sale of unregistered products, which was reduced to ₦200,000 following appeals. A ₦2,000,000 investigative charge for violations of Good Storage and Distribution Practices, reduced to ₦500,000 after further appeals.
“These penalties are officially gazetted charges and were applied fairly across the affected markets,” NAFDAC stated.
The agency said it remains committed to safeguarding public health by ensuring that all medical products in circulation, including drugs, vaccines, and medical devices, are safe, effective, and of good quality.
“By enforcing compliance with regulations, the agency aims to protect the most vulnerable, including pregnant women, children, and individuals with chronic conditions,” Adeyeye said.
She assured the public that NAFDAC will continue to operate within the bounds of its legal mandate and will not be deterred by efforts to derail ongoing regulatory reforms.
