LAWMAKER SLAMS NAFDAC OVER N700,000 ‘SHOP RE-OPENING LEVY’ ON ONITSHA DRUG TRADERS. (PHOTO).

 Lawmaker Slams NAFDAC Over N700,000 ‘Shop Re-Opening Levy’ on Onitsha Drug Traders

A federal lawmaker, Mr. Afam Ogene, has condemned the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for allegedly imposing a N700,000 levy on traders affected by the closure of the Onitsha drug market in Anambra State. Ogene, representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency under the Labour Party, described the action as “scandalous, outrageous, and reprehensible” in a statement issued on Tuesday in Onitsha.

According to Ogene, documented evidence indicates that NAFDAC is extorting N700,000 from each shop owner to regain access to their businesses, with over 1,000 traders reportedly having paid the contentious fee. He criticized the agency for failing to distinguish between innocent business owners and those involved in drug counterfeiting, questioning the fairness of the levy.

“What is this money for? If it’s for access to the shops, does it imply that the fee absolves those guilty of drug counterfeiting? How is this fair to innocent businesses in the market?” Ogene asked. He argued that the policy contradicts principles of fairness, justice, and the rule of law upheld by democracy.

Ogene noted that the House of Representatives had previously cautioned NAFDAC in a February motion against harming legitimate businesses during its operations in the market. He expressed concern over the agency’s prolonged closure of the market and its apparent inability to identify and prosecute those responsible for counterfeit drugs, raising questions about NAFDAC’s operational efficiency.

Calling NAFDAC’s actions “unethical, unacceptable, and reprehensible,” Ogene urged the agency to address the issue swiftly to restore its credibility and avoid further embarrassment. He warned that the controversy undermines the fight against fake drugs and risks tarnishing the agency’s reputation.

The situation has sparked widespread concern among traders and stakeholders, who are calling for transparency and accountability in NAFDAC’s operations at the Onitsha drug market.