In a recent operation, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), in collaboration with the Pharmacist Council of Nigeria (PCN), raided and sealed 1,321 patent medicine outlets in Sabon Gari open market in Kano.
The joint enforcement action came in response to a court order directing drug dealers to vacate their open market premises and relocate to the Coordinated Wholesale Centre in Dangwauro village on Zaria road.
Mr. Francis Ononiwu, the Director of Investigation and Enforcement at NAFDAC, stated that the closure was part of efforts to combat unwholesome pharmaceutical practices and ensure public health safety. He emphasized the need for medicine dealers to operate with valid registration and certification from regulatory agencies.
Mr. Ononiwu highlighted the dangers posed by the distribution of substandard pharmaceutical products and the lack of proper storage facilities among the patent medicine traders. He emphasized the importance of relocating to the Coordinated Wholesale Centre to improve drug distribution and combat drug abuse.
In response to the eviction and relocation order, Sabon patent medicine dealers protested at the Kano state government House, expressing their displeasure and seeking intervention. Alh. Musbahu Khalid, the Chairman of the association, raised concerns about exploitation at the new centre and appealed for government intervention in its management.
Alh. Shehu Sagagi, Chief of Staff to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, received the protesters and assured them that the government would address the situation. He urged them to remain calm and not take the law into their hands.
