The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has tackled Federal Government for imposing N700,000 fee on traders at the Onitsha Head Bridge Market to reopen their shops, describing the move as “unjust and insensitive.”
Obi made this appeal in a post on his official X handle on Tuesday.
Recall that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, had labeled the market the headquarters of distribution of substandard and fake pharmaceuticals in the country and even in African sub-regions.
Don’t miss out on any real-time information. Join our WhatsApp group to stay updated.
..
NAFDAC had in April, announced the reopening of the market, stressing that shop owners must meet strict administrative conditions before the reopening of their shops to prevent a recurrence of the issues that led to the closure.
A viral video by controversial influencer Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, alleged that NAFDAC demanded N700,000 from each shop owner as a condition to reopen their shops after many were shut down.
In a Monday statement, NAFDAC did not directly address this specific claim but emphasised that traders who complied with regulatory requirements have been permitted to resume business, with over 2,500 traders in 3,500 shops operational since March 9, 2025.
Reacting, Obi expressed support for the authorities’ efforts to ensure the society is free from fake drugs and counterfeit goods but insisted that compassion must lie at the root of government action.
He said while supporting the initial closure of the market, he hoped that investigations would be carried out swiftly, and the market would be reopened promptly, especially to ease the suffering of small business owners already burdened by current national economic challenges
“It is, therefore, deeply unfortunate to learn that shop owners are now being asked to pay ₦700,000 to reopen their stores.
“Already, over 7 million Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) have collapsed in the past two years in Nigeria.
“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.
“This level of insensitivity is both disturbing and uncaring.
“Let us prioritise compassion, economic recovery, and the survival of our small businesses at this critical time in our nation.”
Obi appealed to the relevant authorities to review and drop this charge and allow these businesses to reopen.
Don’t miss out on any real-time information. Join our WhatsApp group to stay updated.
..
“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 and an economic sabotage.