Intersociety Calls for Legislative and Judicial Investigation into Onitsha Drug Market Shutdown A prominent civil rights organization, the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety), has called for an urgent legislative public hearing and a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate the controversial role played by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and security forces in the extended closure of the Onitsha Drug Market. According to Intersociety, the prolonged market shutdown has significantly impacted traders, their families, and the public due to the high cost and scarcity of essential medicines. The group specifically pointed out the involvement of Nigerian Army personnel from Onitsha 302 Cantonment and police officers from the Anambra State Command and Zone 13 in alleged human rights violations and economic sabotage. This demand was issued in a statement signed by Chinwe Umeche (Head of Democracy and Good Governance Program), Chidinma Evangeline Udegbunam (Head of Campaign and Publicity), Obianuju Joy Igboeli (Head of Civil Liberties and Rule of Law), and Emeka Umeagbalasi (Board Chair of Intersociety). Five Key Issues Raised by Intersociety Intersociety highlighted five major concerns that need urgent attention: The civil rights group expressed dissatisfaction with the efforts made by Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo and Speaker Somtochukwu Udeze, stating that their interventions were inadequate. It urged them to take more decisive actions to protect traders and their businesses. Short-Term and Long-Term Solutions for Onitsha Drug Market To resolve the crisis, Intersociety proposed two key solutions: Short-Term Measures Long-Term Solutions Intersociety condemned NAFDAC’s imposition of a ₦500,000 ‘Poor Storage Fee’ on each sealed shop—including non-pharmaceutical businesses like boutiques and food vendors—describing it as regulatory extortion. Impact of the Market Closure on Traders and the Public The ongoing closure, which entered its 47th day on March 26, 2025, has caused severe economic hardships: According to Intersociety, the market closure has transformed NAFDAC from a regulatory agency into an extortionist body that prioritizes revenue generation over public health. NAFDAC’s Controversial Charges on Importers and Retailers Further accusations against NAFDAC include imposing excessive charges on drug importers and retailers: Intersociety also reported that a boutique owner, Sophia Eberechukwu Okoye from Ezinifite-Aguata, Anambra State, lost over ₦15 million worth of goods due to looting. Video evidence allegedly links NAFDAC operatives to the ransacking of her store. Conclusion: Urgent Action Needed The continued closure of Onitsha Drug Market has devastating consequences for traders, consumers, and the economy. Intersociety is demanding immediate intervention through a legislative public hearing and a judicial inquiry to: If left unaddressed, the crisis could escalate into a full-blown economic and humanitarian disaster. Read more on the economic impact of market closures READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
