After Attack on NAFDAC Officials, Calls Grow for Dialogue Between Traders and Regulators

NAFDAC officials were assaulted and beaten by some traders at the Trade Fair Complex in Lagos on Thursday, following an enforcement operation against the sale of counterfeit and unapproved goods. Witnesses said a group of traders, identified as mostly Igbo, mobilized via WhatsApp messages to resist and attack the officials and the security personnel accompanying them.

The altercation reportedly began when the officials attempted to seal off several shops suspected of selling fake drugs and unregistered products. According to sources, the traders resisted the enforcement, resulting in chaos, injuries, and the destruction of property. The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has not yet issued an official statement on the extent of the assault, though videos circulating online show uniformed officers retreating as they were chased and attacked.

“We Are Playing With Our Livelihood” – Igbo Representative Speaks Out

“We are playing with our livelihood,” said Oscar Paul, the representative of Igbo traders at the Trade Fair Complex, who condemned the assault in strong terms. He urged his fellow traders to avoid confrontations that could lead to the closure of the market, warning that such actions could invite serious consequences from both federal authorities and the Lagos State government.

Oscar Paul emphasized that the traders’ grievances should be addressed through dialogue, not violence. “Attacking NAFDAC officials will only worsen the situation. If the authorities decide to shut down the market, everyone will lose their source of income. We must act responsibly and protect our businesses,” he stated. His remarks have since sparked discussions among stakeholders and on social media, where some have called for accountability and restraint from both traders and enforcement agencies.

NAFDAC: Silence, Fear, and the Risk of a Larger Fallout

Despite the violent attack, public reaction has been muted. Many Nigerians have expressed concern that the issue could escalate into a national controversy if authorities respond with heavy sanctions or market closures. Some observers have cautioned that when enforcement actions trigger ethnic backlash, genuine law enforcement becomes politicized, weakening national institutions meant to protect public health.

“We are playing with our livelihood” has become a sobering reminder that regulatory compliance and economic survival must coexist. As investigations continue, stakeholders are urging calm and responsibility among traders while calling on NAFDAC to strengthen its engagement with market leaders to prevent further unrest.