Patent medicine dealers in Kano stage indefinite strike
Members of the Nigeria Association of Patent and Propriety Medicine Dealers (NAPPMD) initiated an indefinite strike on Saturday, shutting down operations at Sabon Gari market in Kano.
The strike is in response to a court judgment mandating their relocation to the Coordinated Wholesale Centre in Dangwauro, prompting the dealers to express their discontent.
A Federal High Court in Kano issued the relocation order on Friday, dismissing a fundamental rights suit filed by the medicine dealers against the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria.
This judgment concluded a five-year battle where the dealers resisted attempts to move their pharmaceutical business from the Malam Kato and Sabon Gari open market to the Coordinated Wholesale Centre.
Alhaji Musbau Yahaya Khalid, the Kano State Chairman of the Nigeria Association of Patent and Propriety Medicine Dealers, directed members at Sabon Gari market to close shops as part of the strike action.
Khalid explained that “the strike aims to protect members from potential harassment by security agents and to express displeasure over the court judgment”.
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Speaking to SOLACEBASE, Khalid stated that the strike serves as a proactive measure against possible displacement and goods destruction. He mentioned ongoing discussions with lawyers, intending to appeal the court judgment.
Khalid clarified that their reluctance to relocate is not due to unwillingness but concerns that the assigned Dangwauro area is a private entity posing risks to their business.
While asserting their law-abiding nature, Khalid appealed to the government, requesting permission to continue their business at the current location.
He argued that relocation would result in job losses for many members of the association.
