Former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, has strongly criticized the reported demand of ₦700,000 from traders at the Onitsha Head Bridge Market to reopen their shops, describing the fee as “insensitive” and calling on authorities to urgently reconsider the policy.
In a statement shared on Tuesday via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Obi recounted his visit to the market during its initial closure. He said he had supported the efforts of regulatory agencies, including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), to clamp down on counterfeit goods and fake drugs.
“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 at the time was under the assumption that investigations would be concluded promptly and that the market would reopen quickly to ease the burden on business owners, many of whom were already struggling under the weight of the current economic crisis.
“It is, therefore, deeply unfortunate to learn that shop owners are now being asked to pay ₦700,000 to reopen their stores,” he said.
Obi expressed deep concern over the economic impact of such charges, especially on small and medium-scale business operators. He highlighted the broader economic reality in Nigeria, where, according to him, over seven million Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have collapsed in the past two years.
“Our MSME 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.
Calling the reopening fee a form of “economic sabotage”, Obi urged the relevant authorities to drop the charge in the interest of fairness and national 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,” he added.
Reiterating his broader message of economic compassion and support for small businesses, Obi stated: “Let us prioritise compassion, economic recovery, and the survival of our small businesses at this critical time in our nation.”
He concluded with an appeal: “Please review and drop this charge. Allow these businesses to reopen. Compassion must lie at the root of government action.”
