Obi Condemns ₦700,000 Reopening Fee for Head Bridge Market Shop Owners in Onitsha
Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has strongly criticised authorities for demanding ₦700,000 from shop owners to reopen their stores at the Head Bridge Market in Onitsha, Anambra State, calling the fee “economic sabotage” that will further burden Nigeria’s struggling small businesses.
The popular Head Bridge drug market was initially closed by operatives of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) as part of efforts to combat fake drugs and counterfeit goods.
However, what was expected to be a swift investigation and prompt reopening has turned into a prolonged closure with additional financial demands on traders.
“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 in a post on X on Tuesday. “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.”
The former Anambra State governor expressed deep concern over the ₦700,000 reopening fee, describing it as insensitive given Nigeria’s current economic climate. “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 highlighted the broader crisis facing Nigeria’s business sector, revealing that “over 7 million Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have collapsed in the past two years in Nigeria.”
He painted a stark picture of the situation, stating that “our MSMEs’ 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.”
The politician described the timing and amount of the fee as particularly troubling. “This level of insensitivity is both disturbing and uncaring,” he remarked, emphasising the need for government support rather than additional burdens.
Making a direct appeal to authorities, Obi urged reconsideration of the policy. “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. Adding further burdens to them and their families at this time is simply unjust and economic sabotage.”
The former presidential candidate concluded his statement with a call for empathy in governance, declaring that “compassion must lie at the root of government action.” He urged officials to “prioritise compassion, economic recovery, and the survival of our small businesses at this critical time in our nation.”
The Head Bridge Market closure and the subsequent reopening fee have become emblematic of the challenges facing Nigeria’s small business sector, which continues to struggle with economic pressures, policy uncertainties, and what many describe as unsupportive government measures during a period when relief is most needed.
