NEWS
JUST IN: NAFDAC Reopens Onitsha Drug Market After Month-Long Closure
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has officially announced the reopening of the Onitsha Drug Market and other adjoining markets after nearly a month-long closure.
The South-East Zonal Director of NAFDAC, Mr. Martins Iluyomade, made the announcement on Thursday following a crucial meeting between the agency, the Anambra State government, and market union leaders.
Business operations in the affected markets are set to resume on Friday.
The closure, which began early last month, was part of NAFDAC’s crackdown on the sale of illicit drugs.
READ ALSO: Four-Storey Building Collapses In Onitsha
Several markets, including the plumbing materials market, timber market, surgical materials market, and science laboratory materials market, were also shut down after large quantities of illegal pharmaceuticals were discovered.
Illicit Drugs Found Across Markets
Addressing government officials and market leaders, Iluyomade explained that NAFDAC’s actions extended beyond the Ogbogwu drug market due to the widespread presence of counterfeit and banned drugs.
“People were asking why we locked other markets that had nothing to do with drugs, but we found illegal pharmaceuticals in all the markets we closed.
“The quantity we discovered in adjoining markets was just as much as in Ogbogwu. If we hadn’t taken this action, we wouldn’t have been able to cover the extent of the problem,” he stated.
Iluyomade also highlighted the security concerns surrounding the market, recalling past incidents where NAFDAC officials were attacked while carrying out enforcement operations.
“Last year, our officers were beaten, and even a government official was stripped naked for performing his duty. We had to lock up the entire area to prevent collateral damage. This market plays a major role in drug distribution nationwide, and any contamination here would affect the entire country,” he warned.
Iluyomade commended Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo for backing NAFDAC’s efforts despite attempts by some individuals to politicize the issue.
“Fake drugs kill indiscriminately, regardless of ethnicity. The governor understood this and supported us in ensuring that harmful medicines are eliminated from circulation,” he said.
He revealed that NAFDAC had confiscated over 50 trailers of counterfeit and substandard drugs, with many more still hidden in warehouses across the city.
“The volume of narcotics we found here is enough to destabilize any nation. There is a clear link between drug abuse and insecurity. Countries battling lawlessness often have a high circulation of illicit substances,” he explained.
Additionally, the agency uncovered storage malpractice that rendered even genuine medicines unsafe.
Some warehouses were found to be storing temperature-sensitive drugs, such as those for women in labor, in hot and poorly ventilated environments, compromising their effectiveness.
Despite the market reopening, Iluyomade stressed that approximately 4,000 shops would remain sealed until their owners explain the presence of illegal drugs found in their stores.
He warned that any future attacks on NAFDAC officials or a resurgence of illicit drug sales would result in another market shutdown.
Market union leaders expressed relief over the reopening and pledged to cooperate with NAFDAC to identify those involved in illegal drug activities.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The development was disclosed on Friday by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President.
Akwa Ibom occupies a strategic position in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with major federal investments expected to strengthen infrastructure and economic activities across the state.
SEE ALSO: 2027: Shettima Arrives in Lafia to Rally Support for Tinubu’s Re-election
One of the major projects is the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, which has an approximately 82.8-kilometre stretch passing through Akwa Ibom.
The project, according to the statement, “promises improved connectivity, expanded trade, greater investment and new economic opportunities for communities across the region.”
Beyond infrastructure, the administration’s interventions in education, agriculture, healthcare, youth empowerment and social protection are also designed to improve livelihoods and broaden economic participation.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) is among the initiatives highlighted, complementing Governor Umo Eno’s investments in roads, aviation, tourism and human capital development.
The statement noted that the Uyo rally provides “another opportunity to strengthen the APC’s growing political presence in the South-South and make the case for continuity in 2027.”
Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Elohor Aiboni was among 100 people honoured with the DTN@100 Award.
She joined a list of distinguished recipients recognised by the Daily Times newspapers. The contributions of the awardees to national development will be documented in a special publication, titled Nigerian Grand Book.
Daily Times which started publication in 1926 gave the awards as part of its centenary celebrations in Lagos. The centenary theme is: “Honouring the Past, Shaping the Future.” Chairman, Folio Media Group and Publisher Daily Times of Nigeria Fidelis Anosike said: “We proudly celebrate Elohor Aiboni, Executive Vice President and Country Chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria, for her well-deserved recognition at the Daily Times Heroes Award. As a visionary female leader, Elohor has shown that true leadership is defined by action. Her forward-thinking policies continue to drive real, positive change across our nation.”
In her response, Elohor said: “Although this award is presented to me, I do not regard it as mine alone. I share it with my colleagues across the Shell Companies in Nigeria, our partners, and the many people I have had the privilege of working with and learning from over the years.”
Elohor was commended for her achievements in a career in the energy industry that started in Shell in 2002. In addition to serving in operational roles within and outside Nigeria, she has worked as asset manager for Bonga, leading up to her appointment as Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) in 2021, the first female to hold the post. Early this year, she took up the role of Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, also the first female and Nigerian to hold both roles.
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In her acceptance speech, Elohor also called for concerted efforts towards educating the girl-child. She said: “If we are serious about shaping Nigeria’s future, we must be equally serious about educating and empowering the Nigerian girl child. Education provides not only knowledge, but also confidence, choice and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to her community and country.”
Photo Caption – L-R: Energy and Investment Solicitor, Sam Aiboni; Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Nigeria, Elohor Aiboni; actress Rita Dominic; and Daily Times Chairman, Fidelis Anosike, during the award presentation at Harbour Point, Lagos.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national football team, the Flamingos, following their historic qualification for the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The President commended the team for their impressive 3-1 victory over Brazil in Wednesday’s semi-final, describing their achievement as a remarkable milestone that has brought immense pride and joy to Nigerians at home and abroad.
In a statement issued on Thursday, November 5, by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu also praised the coaching crew and everyone whose hard work and support contributed to the team’s successful campaign.
SEE ALSO: 2027: Shettima Arrives in Lafia to Rally Support for Tinubu’s Re-election
With the Flamingos set to face Japan in the final, the President urged the players to remain focused, confident and determined as they pursue the historic world title.
“I encourage you to approach the final with the same fighting spirit and belief that have brought you this far. I have confidence in your ability to make history by winning the coveted world title,” he said.
Tinubu also called on Nigerians to rally behind the young players, describing them as national ambassadors whose achievements continue to showcase the country’s sporting excellence.
He said the team’s performance would inspire a new generation of girls to pursue their dreams without limitations.
“Once again, Nigeria is proud of you. Go for the trophy, Flamingos!” the President added.
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