ONITSHA, Nigeria (CHATNEWSTV) — Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has decried the imposition of a ₦700,000 reopening fee on shop owners at the Head Bridge Market in Onitsha, describing it as “unjust and an economic sabotage.”
In a post published Tuesday on LinkedIn, Obi recalled his earlier visit to the market at the onset of its closure by authorities, expressing support for efforts by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to rid the society of counterfeit drugs and 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 said. “I did so with the hope 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 our current national economic challenges.”
Obi, however, expressed shock over reports that traders are now being asked to pay ₦700,000 to reopen their shops.
“It is, therefore, deeply unfortunate to learn that shop owners are now being asked to pay ₦700,000 to reopen their stores,” he stated. “Already, over 7 million Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) have collapsed in the past two years in Nigeria.”
He described Nigeria’s MSME sector as being in a state of emergency.
“Our MSME’s businesses are at a ‘we can’t breathe’ stage,” Obi said. “And the very system that should be offering them oxygen to support their breathing is instead suffocating them.”
Calling for urgent intervention, Obi appealed to authorities to show compassion and reconsider the charges levied against the affected traders.
“I want to appeal again to the relevant authorities: please review and drop this charge. Allow these businesses to reopen,” he said. “These shop owners have already endured prolonged closures, mounting unpaid bills, and economic strain.”
He stressed that further financial pressure on struggling entrepreneurs could have long-term negative consequences on Nigeria’s fragile economy.
“Adding further burdens to them and their families at this time is simply unjust and an economic sabotage,” he said. “Compassion must lie at the root of government action.”
Obi’s comments come amid growing public concern over regulatory practices that critics say are stifling small businesses in an already distressed economy.
By Gabriel Ani
