Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, has condemned the reported imposition of a ₦700,000 fee on shop owners at the Head Bridge market in Onitsha, Anambra State for reopening their businesses following a prolonged government-ordered closure.
In a post on X on Tuesday, Obi described the development as “deeply unfortunate,” lamenting that many small business owners, already suffocating under Nigeria’s economic strain, are being subjected to further hardship.
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“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,” Obi stated.
“I did so with the hope that investigations would be carried out swiftly, and the market would be reopened promptly, especially to ease the suffering of small business owners already burdened by our current national economic challenges.”
The LP leader expressed his dismay that, instead of providing relief, the system is now demanding excessive fees from already embattled shop owners.
“It is, therefore, deeply unfortunate to learn that shop owners are now being asked to pay ₦700,000 to reopen their stores,” he said.
Highlighting the broader economic crisis, Obi cited data indicating that over seven million Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have collapsed in the past two years in Nigeria.
“Our MSME businesses are at a ‘we can’t breathe’ stage,” he remarked, “and the very system that should be offering them oxygen to support their breathing is instead suffocating them.”
Obi described the policy as not only “insensitive and uncaring,” but also detrimental to national economic recovery. “Let us prioritize compassion, economic recovery, and the survival of our small businesses at this critical time in our nation,” he urged.
Reiterating his earlier call for fairness, Obi appealed to authorities to reverse the decision. “I want to appeal again to the relevant authorities: please review and drop this charge. Allow these businesses to reopen,” he pleaded.
According to him, shop owners have already endured a considerable period of closure, accrued mounting bills, and suffered financial strain.
“Adding further burdens to them and their families at this time is simply unjust and an economic sabotage,” he warned.
He concluded with a passionate call for empathy in governance: “Compassion must lie at the root of government action.”
Obi’s intervention comes at a time when Nigeria’s economic crisis continues to squeeze small businesses across the country.
, Mr. Peter Obi, has condemned the reported imposition of a ₦700,000 fee on shop owners at the Head Bridge market in Onitsha, Anambra State for reopening their businesses following a prolonged government-ordered closure.){kind=link}