Senator Tony Nwoye, representing Anambra North Senatorial District, has spoken out against the continued closure of Ogbo Ogwu Market in Onitsha by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), labeling the action as a “clear case of regulatory overreach.”
In a statement released over the weekend, Nwoye called on both the Federal Government and the Anambra State Government to urgently intervene and put an end to what he described as a “gross injustice.”
The market, which has been shut since February 2025 following a NAFDAC raid targeting the sale of counterfeit drugs, saw more than 5,000 shops sealed.
However, the senator emphasized that the punitive action extended beyond pharmaceutical vendors, affecting a wide range of traders.
“Entire sections of the market, including traders dealing in non-pharmaceutical items such as paints, plumbing materials, and accessories, were unjustly shut down,” Nwoye said.
While reiterating the importance of accountability, he added that “traders found culpable in dealing with fake and contraband drugs in the market should be punished.”
He recalled visiting the market shortly after the raid alongside prominent figures including former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, as well as other lawmakers.
According to him, the delegation met with affected shop owners and witnessed the severe toll the closure had taken on their businesses and livelihoods.
NAFDAC’s financial demands also came under sharp criticism from the senator.
He condemned the agency’s requirement of a ₦500,000 fee per shop, later raised to ₦700,000, for reopening, labeling it “exploitative” and saying it lacked “any legal basis.”
“To punish over 5,000 traders indiscriminately without due process is to violate both the spirit and letter of the law,” he stated.
“This is not regulation, it is economic persecution.”
The statement highlighted that over 1,000 traders have already paid the imposed fee, while many more remain unable to meet the financial demand.
Nwoye also questioned why such extensive sanctions had not been implemented in other markets across the country and called for an immediate refund to those who have already made payments.
He appealed to Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, to take stronger action to bring the issue to a resolution.
“Ogbo Ogwu Market must be reopened without further delay,” he declared.
“I stand in solidarity with the traders and will continue to use all legislative and legal means to press for justice.”
Concluding his statement, the senator urged authorities to ensure fairness and transparency in regulatory enforcement across Nigeria, cautioning against policies that undermine economic activity and violate the rights of citizens.
