The fight against fake
and expired drugs is a critical mission that must not be taken lightly. The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has been at the forefront of this battle, working tirelessly to apprehend offenders and safeguard public health. However, recent actions by the agency have sparked concerns among traders at Ekumi Plaza in Ariaria,who are now appealing for intervention.
Officials of NAFDAC recently raided a section of the shopping centre, sealing off shops that were found to be selling counterfeit and expired drugs. However, in the process, a total of 1,300 shops were locked, despite only 300 of them dealing in pharmaceuticals. The remaining 1,000 shops, occupied by traders selling cosmetics, weaves, and hair accessories, have also been affected, despite having no involvement in the sale of illegal drugs.
Speaking on the matter, Mr Chibuike Johnson Eze of the chairman of beauty, hair and accessories in Ekumi Plaza, expressed deep concern over the prolonged closure, emphasizing the devastating impact on innocent traders who rely on their daily earnings for survival.
“Out of the 1,300 shops in this market, only 300 belong to drug sellers, while 1,000 are occupied by traders dealing in cosmetics, weavons, and hair accessories. The offence of a few should not be allowed to cripple the means of livelihood for over a thousand innocent traders. We are pleading with Governor Alex Chioma Otti to come to our rescue,” he said.
He also confirmed that contact has been made with Hon. Ikwechegh, the member representing Aba North and South in the Federal House of Representatives, in a bid to resolve the issue, as this has lingered for two weeks.
A shop owner, Mr. Uchechukwu Victor Chukwu, who also deals on beauty, hair and accessories; echoed the chairman’s sentiments, pleading with the state government to mediate with NAFDAC officials so that innocent traders can return to their businesses.
“We understand and appreciate NAFDAC’s efforts in removing fake and expired drugs from the market, but we, the innocent traders, should not be made to suffer for the crimes of others. We are struggling to survive in this economy, and we need the government to intervene immediately,” he pleaded.
Another trader, Mrs. Amarachi Chukwu, shared the emotional toll of the situation, revealing that many children have been sent home from school due to their parents’ inability to pay fees.
“Some of us have both father and mother in this market, and since our shops were shut, it has been difficult to even feed our families. My children have been sent home from school because I have not been able to pay their fees. We depend on our daily sales to survive. We are begging the government to help us,” she lamented.
While the efforts of NAFDAC in eradicating fake drugs from the market are commendable, it is equally important to ensure that innocent business owners do not suffer unjustly especially given the current economic hardship in the country.
It is hoped that the Abia State Government, the member representing Aba North and South in the federal house of representatives and also the Mayor of Aba North, will step in to facilitate a resolution, allowing law-abiding traders to return to their shops and continue earning a livelihood for their families.