Manufacturers, importers, and suppliers of drugs in Nigeria have been directed to immediately halt the supply or sale of medicines and medical devices at Niger street and Sabon Gari market in Kano, Kano state.

The medicine vendors and suppliers operating in the two locations have been advised by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to immediately relocate to the approved area designated by the State government for the sale of pharmaceutical products.

The agency’s management stated that the development becomes imperative to ensure good distribution of pharmaceuticals, medical devices and prevent circulation of substandard and falsified medicines in the market.

It also warned that It is important to comply with the directive in light of the recent conclusion of the legal proceedings regarding the matter by the Court of Appeal.

In a press statement on Sunday, February 18, titled ‘Urgent Call to Action: Manufacturers and Importers Urged to Cease Supplying Medicines to Niger Street and Sabon Gari Market, Kano,’ NAFDAC noted that disregarding the warning, issued in collaboration with the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN) will result in the revocation of the offender’s site and practice licenses.

PCN is charged with the responsibility of regulating and controlling pharmacy education, training and practice in all aspects and ramifications, including regulating pharmacy technicians and patent and proprietary medicines vendors.

The statement by the Resident Media Consultant to NAFDAC, Sayo Akintola reads: “Please recall the last judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal ordering Kano medicine dealers to vacate Niger street/Sabon Gari market and to relocate to the coordinated wholesale center at Dangwauro, Kano.

“NAFDAC and PCN hereby warn manufacturers, importers, company representatives, and all distributors to from this very moment cease supplying, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and other regulated medical products to facilities or companies in Niger street, Sabon Gari market, or elsewhere outside the coordinated wholesale center in Dangwauro, Kano state.

“This is to ensure good distribution of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, etc., and prevent circulation of substandard and falsified medicines in the market.

“Any company found doing this risks losing the site license as well as the product license. Retailers, hospitals and others should also take note.” (The Nation)

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