adminreporter
Normalcy has returned to the Ogbu-ogu Drug Market, popularly known as the Bridge Head Drug Market in Onitsha, following its reopening by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), months after its closure.
During an inspection visit to the market, Anambra States’ Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, confirmed that the facility has resumed operations.
He was joined by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, as they toured the market to monitor compliance with NAFDAC’s conditions for reopening.
Dr. Mefor expressed satisfaction with the progress made, stating: “95 percent of the shops in the market have reopened for business, while the remaining 5 percent remain under lock due to the owner’s failure to present themselves for screening or meet NAFDAC’s directives.”
Addressing traders at the market, Dr. Obidike reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the wellbeing of those in the pharmaceutical trade.
“The ongoing construction of the new drug market in Oba, with full facilities for proper drug storage will be completed as scheduled,” he assured.
Echoing the update, Pharm. Omoyeni Babatunji, Deputy Director of Investigation and Enforcement for the South-South and South-East regions of NAFDAC, confirmed the current status of shop reopenings.
“95 percent of shops in the market have reopened, while the remaining 5 percent remain closed,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Onitsha Drug Market, Mr. Chukwuleta Ndubisi, expressed deep appreciation to the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo.
“It was the Governor’s appeal that led the agency to shorten the duration of the market closure,” he noted.
He went on to say, “We thank Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his fatherly support throughout the process and pray for God’s abundant reward on him.”
With most traders now back in business, the atmosphere at the Ogbu-ogu Market reflects cautious optimism as regulatory compliance continues to be monitored by both state and federal authorities.
