Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, has called on the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), to prioritize relief and recovery over punishment for traders in the Onitsha Head Bridge Market.
The market was closed due to the alleged presence of fake drugs and counterfeit goods, but Obi believes that the current approach to reopening the market is unfair to small business owners.
According to reports, traders are being asked to pay ₦700,000 each to reopen their stores, with additional charges for individual violations.
Consequently, Obi, in a post on his X (formerly Twitter handle), argues that the approach is unjust and counterproductive, especially given the current economic challenges facing the country. He notes that over 7 million Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have collapsed in the past two years, and that the current charges could further exacerbate the situation.
“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. I did so with the hope that investigations would be carried out swiftly and that the market would be reopened promptly, especially to ease the suffering of small business owners already burdened by our current national economic challenges.
“It is, therefore, deeply unfortunate to learn that shop owners are now being asked to pay ₦700,000 to reopen their stores for structural deficiencies that are not of their own making. I have also learnt that there are additional charges based on individual violations. In cases like this, individuals concerned should be held accountable through due process, while innocent traders should not be collectively punished. A just approach would distinguish between genuine offenders and compliant business owners, ensuring that enforcement does not become a blanket measure that inflicts undue hardship on the wider market community.
“Already, over 7 million Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have collapsed in the past two years in Nigeria. Our MSMEs are at a “we can’t breathe” stage, and the very system that should be offering them oxygen to support their survival is instead suffocating them.
“Even if the charges are statutory, given the dire state of the economy today, they should be tempered with understanding. The emphasis should be on ensuring compliance with regulations while granting these business owners reasonable time to meet such requirements. Imposing measures that might cripple them further serves no one’s interest. What is needed is rigorous engagement with all stakeholders, with clear agreements being signed to ensure compliance without stifling livelihoods. Times are tough – many families are losing their means of sustenance and, in desperation, some are resorting to crime. We cannot afford to create another set of economic victims or push more citizens toward criminality.
“Surely, I continue to stand in support of the authorities to ensure our society is free from fake drugs and counterfeit goods. But I did so with the belief that investigations would be swift and the market promptly reopened to alleviate the hardship of our small-scale entrepreneurs.
“These shop owners have already faced prolonged closures, mounting unpaid bills, and severe economic strain. To now impose additional financial burdens on them for structural issues beyond their control is not only unjust but also counterproductive. In an economy where millions of small businesses are collapsing, the focus should be on relief and recovery, not punishment. It is time to act with compassion and common sense—drop the charges, reopen the market, and allow these entrepreneurs the opportunity to rebuild their livelihoods and contribute to the nation’s economy,” Obi stated.
