Peter Obi, has condemned NAFDAC over the alleged demand of โฆ700,000 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.
โI 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,โ 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.
โIt is, therefore, deeply unfortunate to learn that shop owners are now being asked to pay โฆ700,000 to reopen their stores,โ 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.
He described the demand for such payment as a form of โeconomic sabotageโ and urged relevant authorities to reconsider the decision in the interest of justice and economic recovery.
โThese 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,โ Obi added.
Reiterating his earlier position, the former presidential candidate said, โLet us prioritise compassion, economic recovery, and the survival of our small businesses at this critical time in our nation.โ
He appealed to the authorities once more, saying, โPlease review and drop this charge. Allow these businesses to reopen. Compassion must lie at the root of government action.โ
