Peter Obi has slammed the reported ₦700,000 fee imposed on Onitsha traders to reopen shops, calling it insensitive and a blow to struggling small businesses amid Nigeria’s harsh economy.
He urged authorities to cancel the fee, warning it amounts to economic sabotage. “Let these businesses breathe,” he appealed, citing the collapse of over seven million MSMEs nationwide.
Peter Obi has condemned the ₦700,000 fee reportedly imposed on shop owners at Onitsha’s Head Bridge Market to reopen their stores, describing the move as “insensitive” and harmful to struggling small businesses.
In a statement on Tuesday, the former Anambra State governor and the Presidential candidate of Labour Party in the last Presidential Election, recalled his earlier visit to the market during its initial closure, where he stood in support of NAFDAC and other regulatory agencies in their efforts to combat fake and counterfeit goods.
“I supported the closure initially, trusting that investigations would be swift and the market reopened promptly to ease the burden on business owners,” Obi said.
He expressed shock that traders, already grappling with Nigeria’s tough economy, are now being asked to pay such a hefty fee just to resume their businesses.
“Our MSMEs are suffocating. Over seven million have shut down in just two years. Rather than offer support, the system is tightening the noose,” Obi lamented.
He labeled the reopening charge a form of “economic sabotage” and urged authorities to reverse the decision.
“These shop owners have suffered enough closures, unpaid bills, and economic strain. Asking for such a fee now is simply unjust,” he stressed.
Obi ended his message with a plea: “Let compassion guide government actions. Review and drop this charge. Let these businesses breathe.”
