Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has publicly criticized the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) over its decision to demand ₦700,000 from traders at the Onitsha Head Bridge Market before they can reopen their shops. He described the charge as unfair, harsh, and poorly timed, given the economic struggles small business owners are already facing.
Speaking through a post on his official X account, Obi recalled showing early support during the initial market closure, standing by authorities to rid the space of counterfeit goods and substandard drugs. He believed the action then was necessary, but expected that investigations would be quick and the market would reopen soon after.
Obi expressed shock and disappointment that traders are now being asked to pay such a hefty amount, stressing that this comes when many small businesses are barely surviving. He pointed out that over 7 million micro, small, and medium enterprises have collapsed in Nigeria over the past two years, and imposing extra financial pressure on the few still operating shows a lack of empathy and understanding of the real economic situation.
He called the move an act of “economic sabotage,” warning that policies like this do more harm than good to an already struggling sector. According to him, the market traders have already suffered enough through the closure, unpaid bills, and daily financial stress. Requiring a huge payment to resume business, he said, is pushing them closer to collapse.
Obi urged NAFDAC and other responsible bodies to cancel the ₦700,000 fee and focus on providing relief, not punishment. He acknowledged the importance of removing fake drugs from the market but stressed that protecting lives should not mean crushing livelihoods. He emphasized that policies should promote survival and recovery, not deepen hardship.
