Nigeria's Drug Markets
Comprehensive guides to the country's major pharmaceutical wholesale hubs, including locations, what's sold, NAFDAC compliance status, CWC developments, and practical tips for buyers and traders.
Ariaria Market
Aba, Abia State
A major drug distribution market in Aba, serving as a pharmaceutical wholesale hub for South-East Nigeria alongside the Ogbogwu market in Onitsha.
Idumota Market
Lagos, Lagos State
One of the busiest pharmaceutical markets in Nigeria, located on Lagos Island. A key distribution point for drug products across South-West Nigeria.
Ogbogwu Market
Onitsha, Anambra State
The largest open drug market in West Africa, located at Bridge Head, Onitsha. A major wholesale hub for pharmaceutical products serving South-East Nigeria and beyond.
Sabon Gari Market
Kano, Kano State
The largest pharmaceutical market in Northern Nigeria, serving as the primary drug distribution hub for the entire northern region and neighbouring countries including Niger Republic and Chad.
About Nigeria's Open Drug Markets
Nigeria's open drug markets are the primary distribution channels for pharmaceutical products across West Africa. These markets — including Ogbogwu in Onitsha, Idumota in Lagos, Ariaria in Aba, and Sabon-Gari in Kano — collectively serve hundreds of millions of people. However, their open and often unregulated nature has made them focal points for NAFDAC's ongoing efforts to combat counterfeit and substandard medicines.
NAFDAC's Coordinated Wholesale Centre (CWC) programme aims to eventually replace open drug markets with regulated, centralised distribution centres where drug quality can be monitored and guaranteed. Our market guides provide the latest information on each market's status, compliance environment, and what to expect as a buyer or trader.