Abuja, Nigeria – 28 May 2025 – The International Human Rights Commission Corporation (IHRC) in Nigeria expresses its deep concern regarding the recent closure of a major market in Anambra State by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). The development has led to significant public anxiety and debate, heightening tensions among traders, local communities, and various stakeholders across the state.

According to the official NAFDAC report, between 9 February and 27 March 2025, the Agency conducted an extensive enforcement operation targeting major Open Drug Markets: Idumota (Lagos), Aba (Abia), and Onitsha (Anambra). These operations resulted in the seizure and destruction of large quantities of banned, expired, falsified, and substandard medicines and controlled substances, collectively valued at over one trillion Naira. Investigations indicated that warehouses, shops, and distribution outlets within these markets failed to adhere to the Good Storage and Distribution Practice (GSDP) standards and operated without registration by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), in contravention of established national regulations.

NAFDAC has clarified that, pursuant to federal regulations, investigative charges were imposed on non-compliant operators. Notably, the initial N5,000,000 charge for the sale of unregistered products was reduced to N200,000 after appeals, while the N2,000,000 charge for GSDP violations was reduced to N500,000. According to NAFDAC, “these penalties are officially gazetted charges and were applied fairly across the affected markets.”

IHRC’s Official Position and Recommendations

In an official press statement, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah, IHRC Country Representative, has called for calm, dialogue, and restraint from all parties—including affected traders, community leaders, and regulatory authorities. The IHRC strongly urges all stakeholders to refrain from any actions that could escalate the situation or undermine public order.

While recognising NAFDAC’s statutory mandate to regulate pharmaceuticals and ensure public health and safety, the IHRC emphasizes that transparency, due process, and constructive dialogue are essential in the enforcement of regulatory actions—especially where livelihoods are impacted.

The IHRC reiterates that regulatory enforcement must be guided by the principles of fairness, transparency, and the protection of human dignity. To this end, the Commission recommends:

1. Initiating comprehensive dialogue with all stakeholders, including market unions, civil society organisations, and local authorities, to foster mutual understanding and cooperation.

2. Prioritising educational and corrective enforcement strategies over punitive market closures, thereby promoting voluntary compliance and sustainable public health outcomes.

3. Safeguarding the fundamental rights of traders, particularly the right to livelihood, in line with Nigeria’s constitutional and international human rights obligations.

Furthermore, the IHRC appeals to the Federal Government to intervene urgently and ensure a fair and peaceful resolution. The Commission also recommends the establishment of an independent review panel to assess the closure’s circumstances and recommend appropriate remedial actions consistent with human rights principles and the rule of law.

Commitment to Justice and Human Dignity

The IHRC remains steadfast in its commitment to justice, equity, and the protection of human rights for all Nigerians. The Commission stands ready to facilitate dialogue among all relevant parties to achieve a constructive, equitable, and lasting resolution.

IHRC calls upon both the Anambra State and Federal authorities to support this process, prevent further escalation of tensions, and ensure that justice and human dignity remain central to regulatory governance.

Signed:
Fidelis Onakpoma
Head of Media and Strategic Communications
IHRC Nigeria

This press statement is issued in line with IHRC’s mandate to uphold and promote international human rights standards, support peaceful conflict resolution, and foster constructive engagement between stakeholders and regulatory bodies.

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Following the recent developments over the meeting between the suspended Rivers State Governor, His Excellency Siminalayi Fubara, and his predecessor, Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, the International Human Rights Commission – IHRC Corporation in Nigeria, expresses cautious optimism in the prolonged political impasse in Rivers State, Nigeria, as both parties have agreed to a peace arrangement facilitated by a former and incumbent Ogun State governor, Olusegun Osoba, and Dapo Abiodun respectively.

Notably, the IHRC Corporation in Nigeria issued an official statement on Thursday, 20 March 2025, calling on Nigerians, especially the good people of Rivers State, to prioritize a peaceful resolution within the six-month window of the state of emergency over political rivalries.

In this regard, IHRC commends the reported meeting between suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, viewing it as a positive step towards reconciliation and stability.

The political tension that has gripped Rivers State for months has had significant implications for governance, public trust, and socio-economic development. The IHRC has continuously monitored the situation, advocating for dialogue, the rule of law, and the protection of democratic institutions.

Recall that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had on March 18 declared a State of Emergency in Rivers State. The declaration came in response to the near-total collapse of governance, threats to critical federal infrastructure, and a growing risk of widespread unrest.

The President further suspended key elected officials, including Governor Fubara and members of the State House of Assembly, and appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd) as Sole Administrator to restore order and stability.

IHRC Country Representative Nigeria, H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah, noted that: “While this meeting does not signify an immediate end to the crisis, it signals a willingness by key actors to engage in constructive dialogue. This is a necessary precursor to any sustainable resolution.”

The IHRC urges all stakeholders, including political leaders, civil society, and the media, to support ongoing efforts at peace-building and to refrain from actions or rhetoric that could undermine unity. The Commission further encourages the federal government and relevant institutions to facilitate and mediate where necessary to safeguard democratic governance in the state.

Similarly, in an earlier weekly report by the IHRC Special Monitoring Mission, Acting State Coordinator in Rivers State, Comrade Sundrix Ogor, praised the renewed dialogue between the two political figures as a crucial step towards reconciliation and peace.

The report emphasized that the recent meeting in Abuja—where Governor Fubara visited Minister Wike alongside two sitting governors and a respected elder statesman—demonstrates a positive move towards ending the protracted crisis that had disrupted governance and posed significant human rights concerns.

As developments unfold, the IHRC remains committed to its role in promoting peace, human rights, and democratic values across Nigeria and the broader region.

Reported by:
Signed:

Fidelis Onakpoma
Head Media and Strategic Communications IHRC Nigeria

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APPEAL TO THE GOOD AND RIGHTEOUS

On behalf of the International Human Rights Commission IHRC Corporation
Prof. h.c. Rafał Marcin Wasik – Secretary General

In the name of humanity’s conscience and in the spirit of truth,
I call for the immediate return to the centuries-old tradition of universally applying just international law — law that protects the life, freedom, and dignity of every human being.

In the face of ongoing tragedies — abductions, bombings, displacement, hunger, and human trafficking — I call upon the world to act immediately:

• Release all hostages kidnapped and held by HAMAS.
• Liberate the civilian population from the grip of the global system of terror, violence, and manipulation.
• Show compassion to those who seek nothing more than a dignified and safe life.
• Honor the dead — their right to a respectful burial according to their faith, culture, and tradition.

There is no more time for diplomatic phrases.
Now is the time to act.
Truth must return to where lies have taken root.
Law must replace violence.
Humanity must overcome indifference.

I appeal to nations, governments, organizations, and all Good and Righteous People of faith and hope:

Enough silence.
Enough of using the innocent as instruments of war.
Enough!

Today, we have a duty to be the voice of the silenced.
We have a duty to be the light where darkness has fallen.

I call on all of you – the Good and the Righteous – to act in the name of peace and justice.
Because we, the Good and the Righteous, are the majority, and it is thanks to us that there is still hope for the light of peace.
Let us act. Not tomorrow. Now.

Prof. h.c. Rafał Marcin Wasik
Secretary General
International Human Rights Commission IHRC Corporation

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