Former Governor of Anambra State and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has lashed out at the alleged ₦700,000 levy imposed on traders at the popular Onitsha Head Bridge Market to reopen their shops.
Calling the action “insensitive and unjust,” Obi urged the relevant authorities, especially NAFDAC, to reconsider the decision
“It is deeply unfortunate to learn that shop owners are now being asked to pay ₦700,000 to reopen their stores,” Obi said.
He emphasized that Nigerian traders—especially small business owners—are already barely surviving, with over 7 million MSMEs collapsing in the last two years due to harsh economic conditions.
“These shop owners have endured enough—prolonged closures, unpaid bills, and deep financial strain. Adding more burdens on them and their families at this time is simply unjust,” he
Obi stressed that his initial support for the market closure was based on the expectation of a speedy investigation and swift reopening, not to add extra hardship on the already struggling business community.
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