NAFDAC Accused of N700 Million Extortion in Anambra Drug Market

Anambra Drug Market Shutdown: Allegations of N700 Million Extortion by NAFDAC On February 8th, 2025, Nigeria's largest drug market in Anambra state was shut down by NAFDAC. This action followed allegations of widespread extortion, with claims that the agency collected ₦700 million from vendors. DonAza, a Nigerian content creator, released a video providing evidence supporting these claims, including photographic evidence of receipts and video footage of the market closure. "They locked this market because they claimed fake products," DonAza explains in his video, highlighting the impact on legitimate businesses. He points out that many vendors were forced to pay ₦500,000 or ₦700,000 to reopen, with over 1,000 vendors reportedly paying. This adds up to an estimated ₦700 million. One vendor is quoted saying, "They asked for ₦500,000, then raised it to ₦700,000." DonAza's video raises concerns about NAFDAC's methods and the lack of transparency. He questions why the entire market was closed, impacting legitimate businesses, rather than focusing on those selling fake drugs. The video serves as a call for accountability and a thorough investigation into these serious allegations. The incident underscores the need for stronger regulatory oversight and protection for legitimate businesses.