Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State, has spoken out against the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
This follows reports that each shop owner at Onitsha Head Bridge Market is being asked to pay ₦700,000 to reopen their businesses.
The market was shut down by NAFDAC due to concerns over fake drugs and counterfeit goods.
However, traders have expressed frustration over the large sum being demanded to resume operations.
Obi shared his reaction on social media, calling the demand troubling and lacking care for the plight of small business owners.
He pointed out that in the last two years, millions of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria have failed, with many struggling to survive amid difficult economic conditions.
According to him, instead of helping these businesses recover, such fees only add to their hardships.
While supporting efforts to rid the market of counterfeit and harmful products, Obi urged the authorities to investigate quickly and reopen the market without imposing excessive costs.
He reminded that many shop owners have already faced long periods of closure, accumulating debts, and financial pressure.
Charging such a high fee to restart business, he said, is unfair and harms economic recovery.
Obi called on government officials to reconsider the fee and show more kindness to struggling traders at this challenging time for Nigeria’s economy.
He stressed that government actions should focus on helping small businesses survive and thrive rather than creating additional barriers.
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