The International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) has called on the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to refund over N3 billion allegedly extorted from traders at the Onitsha Drug Market, with an additional 20% interest. The demand follows accusations, including from social media influencer VeryDarkMan, that NAFDAC collected N700,000 from each affected trader as a penalty for alleged violations.
In a statement signed by Emeka Umeagbalasi, Chinwe Umeche, and Chidinma Evangeline Udegbunam, Intersociety condemned NAFDAC’s actions, asserting that the agency’s justifications do not warrant the imposed fines or the prolonged closure of the market, which has disrupted traders’ livelihoods for over 90 days. The group claims that between 3,500 and 3,800 traders were forced to pay the fines as of May 29, 2025.
NAFDAC, however, maintains that the N700,000 fine, reduced from N7 million, was a penalty for traders’ infractions, including poor storage practices. Intersociety alleges that NAFDAC imposed multiple fees, including N700,000 for market store owners, N200,000 for packing store owners, and additional charges for unregistered products, totaling up to N1.4 million for some wholesalers.
The Onitsha Drug Market, home to approximately 14,000 individuals, including 7,000 business owners and 7,000 apprentices, hawkers, and menial workers, has been shut since NAFDAC’s operation began. Intersociety, which has campaigned for the market’s reopening through petitions and media statements, accused NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, and South-East Director, Dr Martins Iluyomade, of ignoring their appeals and engaging in “militarist, extortionist, and collective punishment operations.”
The organization further criticized NAFDAC’s alleged use of the outdated Cyberstalking Act of 2015 to suppress dissent, noting that the law was amended in 2024 to remove its draconian provisions. It also condemned the Anambra State Police Command for allegedly siding with NAFDAC without acknowledging the legal amendments.
Intersociety expressed solidarity with over 90% of the market’s traders, whom it described as legitimate dealers in genuine pharmaceutical products, while denouncing those involved in expired, counterfeit, or substandard drugs. The group called for the resignation of NAFDAC’s top officials to allow for impartial investigations into the agency’s operations at the market.
The organization praised VeryDarkMan, Peter Obi, Senator Tony Nwoye, Hon Afam Ogene, human rights lawyer Ifeanyi Ejiofor, and sections of the Nigerian media for advocating for the traders. Intersociety reiterated its demand for the unconditional reopening of the Onitsha Drug Market and full accountability from NAFDAC.
