Peter Obi Slams ₦700,000 Shop Reopening Fee at Onitsha Market

Former Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, has strongly criticized the reported demand of ₦700,000 from traders to reopen their shops at the Onitsha Head Bridge Market. He called the action “insensitive” and urged the authorities to cancel the fee.

In a statement posted on his X account on Tuesday, Obi recalled his earlier visit to the market when it was first shut down. At the time, he expressed his full support for agencies like the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) that were working to eliminate fake and substandard goods.

“I visited the Head Bridge Market when it was initially closed. I supported the regulators because removing fake drugs and counterfeit products is important for public health,” Obi stated.

However, he noted that his support was based on the hope that the investigation would be swift and the market reopened quickly to avoid hurting traders. Many of these small business owners, he said, are already struggling due to the tough economic conditions in the country.

“Now, hearing that traders are being asked to pay ₦700,000 to reopen their shops is very disturbing,” he added.

Peter Obi condemns ₦700,000 shop reopening fee, saying it adds unnecessary hardship on small businesses. He expressed worry that this kind of demand could force many more Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to shut down.

Obi pointed out that in the last two years, over seven million MSMEs have already folded up in Nigeria.

“Our small businesses are at a breaking point,” he said. “Instead of helping them recover, the system is putting more pressure on them. It feels like they are being suffocated.”

Obi called the reopening fee a form of “economic sabotage” and said it was unfair to the traders who have already suffered through a long market closure, unpaid bills, and financial stress. He emphasized that piling on more costs at this time could destroy livelihoods.

READ MORE: Liverpool Parade Crash: 47 Fans Injured, 4 Children Hospitalised After Car Crash Incident

“These traders have been out of business for a long time. They’ve been struggling to make ends meet. Asking them to pay such a huge amount now is just not right,” he said.

He urged the authorities to put compassion first, especially in these difficult times, and support small businesses instead of punishing them.

“We need to focus on helping our small businesses survive. That should be the priority,” Obi said.

Ending his statement with a heartfelt appeal, he said, “I’m asking those in charge to review this decision. Cancel the fee and allow the traders to return to work. Compassion should always guide government actions.”

JOIN THE CONVERSATION→ Telegram | X/Twitter | Facebook | WhatsApp|WhatsApp Channel|Mobile App|Instagram