Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State visited the Ọgbọ Ọgwụ drug market and its neighboring markets in Onitsha on Saturday, February 22nd, to assess the ongoing regulatory enforcement efforts. As Africa’s largest open drug market, it has frequently drawn the attention of federal agencies and regulatory bodies working to curb the sale of counterfeit, substandard, and controlled drugs.

Soludo clarified that his visit was not to interfere with the federal enforcement but to understand why other markets close to the drug market had been shut down. In contrast to the political narratives circulating in the media, he stated that the leadership of the Plumbing Materials Market, which was also affected by the shutdown, confirmed the disturbing discoveries made by regulatory authorities.

Authorities found cartons of counterfeit and banned drugs hidden inside some shops, raising serious concerns about how these illicit products are still being manufactured abroad and smuggled into the country.

Soludo emphasized that while it is necessary to eliminate fake drugs from Nigeria, more focus should be placed on tightening the supply chain to prevent these products from entering the country in the first place. He directed that the ongoing search in the affected markets be expedited to ensure that legitimate traders at the Plumbing Materials Market could resume business within ten days.

He also highlighted the state’s ongoing efforts to sanitize the pharmaceutical trade, including the construction of a coordinated wholesale drug center in Oba, Idemili South LGA. This new facility will accommodate a properly regulated Ọgbọ Ọgwụ market, helping to eliminate the unstructured environment where counterfeit drugs flourish.

Reaffirming Onitsha’s status as Africa’s largest trading hub, Soludo expressed his commitment to expanding its commercial significance while ensuring regulatory compliance and public safety. He concluded with a hopeful message, saying, “May Anambra continue to win!”