The directive was disclosed by the regulatory agency via a circular released on Sunday in conjunction with the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN).
Stop Supplying Medicines To Kano’s Niger Street, Sabon Gari Market, Nigeria’s Regulatory Agency, NAFDAC Warns Drug Manufacturers, Importers
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has told pharmaceutical manufacturers and importers nationwide to stop supplying medicines to patent medicines dealers in Niger Street and Sabon Gari Market, Kano State.
The directive was disclosed by the regulatory agency via a circular released on Sunday in conjunction with the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN).
It noted that the directive complied with the judgment of the Court of Appeal on Friday, which ordered the medicines merchant to immediately vacate the Sabon Gari Market and relocate to the Coordinated Wholesale Centre, Dangwauro in Kano.
Reacting to the judgement, members of the Nigerian Association of Patent and Propriety Medicine Dealers, NAPPMED in Sabon Gari Market shut down operations on Saturday and embarked on an indefinite strike.
The two regulatory bodies explained that the directive was given to prevent the circulation of substandard and counterfeit pharmaceuticals in the state.
The circular is titled, ‘Urgent Call To Action: Manufacturers And Importers Urged To Cease Supplying Medicines To Niger Street And Sabon Gari Market, Kano.’
It reads, “Please recall the last judgement delivered by the Court of Appeal ordering Kano medicine dealers to vacate Niger Street/Sabon Gari Market and to relocate to the Coordinated Wholesale Centre 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 Centre 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.”