By Dansu Peter As tensions continue to rise over the prolonged closure of the Ogbo-Ogwu Bridgehead Drug Market in Onitsha, Anambra State, H...
By Dansu Peter
The market, known as one of the largest pharmaceutical trading hubs in West Africa, has been under lock and key for over a month. The shutdown followed an operation by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), which reportedly uncovered counterfeit drugs in certain shops. However, no public prosecutions have followed the clampdown. Instead, traders allege they were each asked to pay ₦700,000—an estimated total of over ₦700 million—before being allowed to reopen their shops.
Many traders who couldn’t afford the fee remain shut out, with their goods risking expiration. The growing frustration led the traders to invite social media activist Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkBlackMan (VDM), to draw national attention to their plight.
VDM, during a visit to the market, questioned the logic of punishing an entire marketplace for the alleged infractions of a few. He demanded accountability from NAFDAC, asking why no individuals had been prosecuted if wrongdoing had been established. He condemned the alleged monetary demands and hinted at organizing a protest to force the reopening of the market.
In the midst of these rising tensions, Rep. Whingan has urged for a measured and lawful approach. Posting on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, the lawmaker expressed solidarity with the traders but advised against any confrontation.
“I don’t believe this is the best route to tackle this if truly your concerns about NAFDAC’s market closures and the alleged demands for payments to reopen your shops. As your representative, I stand with you to ensure fairness and justice,” he said. “While we support @NafdacAgency’s efforts to eliminate fake drugs, no legitimate trader should suffer unjustly.”
I don’t belive this is the best route to tackle this if truly your concerns about NAFDAC’s market closures and the alleged demands for payments to reopen your shops. As your representative, I stand with you to ensure fairness and justice. While we support @NafdacAgency efforts to…
— Hon. Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan (@sesiseun) May 24, 2025
Rep. Whingan invited affected traders to submit a formal petition to his office at the National Assembly, backed with evidence of their legitimate business operations and any official demands made by NAFDAC. He assured them that, once received, he would table the issue before the House of Representatives and pursue it to a logical conclusion.
His statement signaled a path toward peaceful resolution and institutional redress, offering a constructive channel for the traders to seek justice without escalating tensions.
“I urge the traders to remain calm and refrain from any action that could lead to chaos. Let’s use the appropriate channels to demand fairness. The House is ready to act, and I will personally ensure this matter receives the attention it deserves,” he said.
Rep. Whingan’s intervention adds a legislative voice to a growing public outcry, offering hope that transparency and justice will prevail in the handling of the Anambra market crisis.
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