Former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, has strongly criticized the reported imposition of a ₦700,000 fee on traders at the Onitsha Head Bridge Market as a condition for reopening their shops, calling it “insensitive” and “an act of economic sabotage.”
In a statement shared via his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, Obi decried the hardship the levy could inflict on small business owners who are still grappling with the effects of a prolonged market closure.
“It is deeply unfortunate to learn that shop owners are now being asked to pay ₦700,000 to regain access to their businesses,” Obi stated.
“These traders have already endured enough economic strain from the extended shutdown. Demanding such a fee at this critical time is simply unjust.”
The former presidential candidate recalled that he had earlier visited the Head Bridge Market during the initial phase of its closure to show solidarity with regulatory agencies such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control which had shut down sections of the market in an effort to clamp down on fake drugs and counterfeit products.
“I visited the market during the closure, standing with the authorities to ensure our society is free from harmful products,” Obi said.
“My support was premised on the understanding that the matter would be handled swiftly and traders would be able to return to their businesses without undue delay.”
He expressed disappointment that the process has dragged on and traders now face new financial obstacles.
“Our MSMEs are already suffocating under the weight of inflation, poor infrastructure, and weak policy support,” Obi noted. “Now, rather than offering them the oxygen they need to survive, the system is further choking them.”
Citing statistics that over seven million Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have shut down across Nigeria in the past two years, Obi warned that actions such as this could push more entrepreneurs out of business.
“This levy sends the wrong message and undermines the very essence of economic recovery. It is not just a burden; it is sabotage,” he asserted.
He called on the relevant authorities to immediately review and scrap the fee, urging them to act with compassion and prioritize economic revival.
“Let us focus on supporting small businesses, not punishing them. I appeal once again—drop this charge. Let these businesses reopen. Compassion must lie at the heart of government decisions,” Obi concluded.