Mr. Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the last election, has condemned the alleged demand of N700,000 from traders to reopen their shops at the Onitsha Head Bridge Market by NAFDAC.
Obi in a statement on Tuesday, described the development as “insensitive” and called on authorities to reconsider the charge.
The former governor of Anambra State recounted his earlier visit to the market during the initial phase of its closure.
Obi said he had stood in solidarity with regulatory authorities, including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, in their efforts to rid society of fake drugs and counterfeit goods.
“I recall visiting the Head Bridge Market during the initial phase of its closure, standing in support of the authorities to ensure our society is free from fake drugs and counterfeit goods,” Obi stated.
He noted that his support was based on the understanding that investigations would be conducted quickly and the market reopened in a timely manner to reduce the hardship on small business owners, many of whom are already struggling under Nigeria’s current economic climate.
“It is, therefore, deeply unfortunate to learn that shop owners are now being asked to pay ₦700,000 to reopen their stores,” he said.
Speaking further, Obi expressed concern over the impact of such charges on small and medium-scale enterprises, pointing out that more than seven million Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises have collapsed in Nigeria in the past two years.
“Our MSME’s businesses are at a ‘we can’t breathe’ stage, and the very system that should be offering them oxygen to support their breathing is instead suffocating them,” he said.
He described the demand for such payment as a form of “economic sabotage” and urged relevant authorities to reconsider the decision in the interest of justice and economic recovery.
“These shop owners have already endured prolonged closures, mounting unpaid bills, and economic strain. Adding further burdens to them and their families at this time is simply unjust,” Obi added.
While reiterating his earlier position, the former presidential candidate said, “Let us prioritise compassion, economic recovery, and the survival of our small businesses at this critical time in our nation.”
He urged the authorities once more, saying, “Please review and drop this charge. Allow these businesses to reopen. Compassion must lie at the root of government action.”