Governor Otti Secures NAFDAC's Approval to Reopen Cleared Sections of Ariaria, Eziukwu & Tenant Road Drug Market

The Abia State Government, under the leadership of Governor Alex Chioma Otti, has secured the commitment of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to reopen all sections of Ariaria International Market, Eziukwu Market, and Tenant Road Drug Market that have been cleared of involvement in the sale of adulterated, expired, and fake drugs.

This breakthrough follows extensive deliberations and high-level engagements between Governor Otti's administration and NAFDAC authorities, reinforcing the government's unwavering commitment to ensuring that Abia remains a safe environment for legitimate businesses while protecting citizens from harmful substances.

The official reopening of the cleared shops will be conducted by the NAFDAC Director for the South-East Zone on February 26, 2025. However, shops found culpable in the production and sale of fake and harmful pharmaceutical products will remain sealed indefinitely. The government has vowed that those responsible will face the full wrath of the law until justice is served.

Governor Otti has reiterated his administration's zero-tolerance stance on the distribution and sale of fake drugs and other harmful consumables, describing such actions as "wicked, callous, and unholy.ÔÇØ He emphasized that his government will continue to collaborate with NAFDAC and other relevant agencies to rid the state of counterfeit and substandard medical products.

"The Abia State Government frowns at the practice of selling poisonous substances to citizens under the guise of business. We will not rest until Abia is completely free from fake, adulterated, and expired drugs. Those involved will be brought to justice," the governor assured.

The government's position aligns with its broader agenda of safeguarding public health, promoting investor confidence, and maintaining a conducive business environment where only lawful enterprises thrive.

As part of its commitment to regulatory enforcement, the Abia State Government will continue working closely with NAFDAC to conduct routine inspections and crack down on violators of public health regulations. This partnership is expected to not only sanitize the pharmaceutical sector but also serve as a deterrent to unscrupulous traders engaging in unethical business practices.

The state government has assured law-abiding traders of its full support in sustaining a clean, well-regulated market environment where businesses can flourish without the infiltration of harmful and illegal products.

The reopening of the cleared market sections marks a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to protect consumers and uphold the integrity of the pharmaceutical trade in Abia State.

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