The Abia State government plans to amend its laws on expired drugs to impose stricter penalties, including imprisonment, for those selling counterfeit, expired, and unregistered medicines.
Governor Alex Otti, represented by his Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku, issued a stern warning to traders during a meeting in Aba with NAFDAC officials and market representatives. He urged them to report illegal drug activities or risk severe consequences, including having their properties sealed.
NAFDAC Zonal Director, Martins Iluyomade, announced that shops not involved in illegal sales would be reopened, while those linked to counterfeiting would remain shut until their owners are identified. He also lamented that traders in Eziukwu market had rejected free NAFDAC registration aimed at legitimizing their businesses.
Abia’s PCN Director, Ngozi Nzenwata, called for government support in establishing a Medicine Mart to regulate pharmaceutical sales. Aba South LGA Chairman, Anyanwu Obialor, pledged to collaborate with the government and NAFDAC to enforce strict penalties, including revoking shops engaged in illegal sales.
Market leaders expressed appreciation for the reopening of some shops and promised to cooperate in curbing counterfeit drug sales.
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