Member of the House of Representatives, Sesi Oluwaseun Whingan, has called on drug market traders whose shops were recently shut down to formally submit petitions if they were subjected to extortion during the enforcement operations led by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administr tion and Control (NAFDAC).
Whingan, who represents the Badagry Federal Constituency in Lagos State, issued a public statement on Monday addressing the wave of social media allegations accusing NAFDAC officials of demanding bribes from traders before reopening their shops. He emphasized that while the agency has a legal mandate to regulate and sanitize the drug market, any form of exploitation under the guise of enforcement is unacceptable.
Response to Viral Videos and Trader Allegations
The lawmaker's comments come amid circulating videos online that suggest NAFDAC’s recent market closures including the well-known Idumota drug market in Lagos and the Onitsha Head Bridge market were accompanied by financial demands allegedly levied on traders to regain access to their shops.
NAFDAC, in a statement issued Tuesday, acknowledged the imposition of fines on certain shops but stressed that all actions taken were in compliance with Nigerian law, and that penalties were applied equitably across all affected markets.
Whingan Urges Proper Channels for Complaint
Whingan, who also serves as the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), cautioned traders against resorting to public agitation or unverified accusations, warning that such actions could undermine the credibility of legitimate grievances.
“While we support NAFDAC’s crucial role in the fight against counterfeit and substandard drugs, no genuine business owner should be unfairly penalized or coerced,” he stated.
He urged affected traders who believe they were extorted to compile their experiences in a formal petition, complete with supporting evidence such as business registration documents and proof of any questionable demands made by NAFDAC officials.
Petition Submission and Legislative Action
Rep. Whingan invited traders to submit their petitions directly to his office at Room 0.26, National Assembly Complex, Abuja, promising to present their concerns before the House of Representatives for a thorough investigation.
“As your representative, I will ensure that your voices are heard and justice is pursued. I will bring this matter to the legislative floor once I receive your petitions and will follow it through to a logical conclusion,” he pledged.
Whingan reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring transparency, fairness, and protection of livelihoods, especially in light of the economic challenges traders face.
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