Wednesday, May 28, 2025 -Peter Obi, has condemned NAFDAC over the alleged demand of ₦700,000 from traders to reopen their shops at the Onitsha Head Bridge Market.
Obi, in a
statement released via X on Tuesday, May 27, recalled his earlier visit to the
market during the initial phase of its closure. He said he 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 wrote.
He said his
support was based on the understanding that investigations would be conducted
quickly and the market reopened shortly to reduce the hardship on small
business owners.
“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
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.
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.”
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