Peter Obi Criticizes NAFDAC Over ₦700,000 Reopening Fee For Onitsha Shops

Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate, has criticised the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for allegedly demanding ₦700,000 from shop owners in Onitsha’s Head Bridge Market before allowing them to reopen their businesses.

His remarks come after a viral video by online personality VeryDarkMan (VDM), who accused NAFDAC of asking traders, whose shops were sealed during a recent enforcement operation, to pay the hefty sum.

While NAFDAC hasn’t directly responded to the accusation, it stated that traders who complied with its guidelines have been allowed to resume operations since March 9, 2025.

Responding on Tuesday via a tweet, Peter Obi said it’s “deeply unfortunate” that traders already under economic pressure are now being told to pay N700,000 to reopen.

Obi, who recalled visiting the market when it was first closed to support the crackdown on counterfeit drugs, said he had expected a swift investigation followed by a quick reopening of the shops, not a new financial burden on the traders.

“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 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,” Peter Obi said.

He highlighted how difficult things already are for small businesses in Nigeria, pointing out that over seven million Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have shut down in the last two years.

“Our MSME’s businesses are at a ‘we can’t breathe’ stage, and the very system that should be offering them oxygen to support their breathing is instead suffocating them,” he said.

Obi described the fee demand as “economic sabotage” and called on NAFDAC and other relevant authorities to drop the charge, noting that many shop owners have faced weeks of closure, financial losses, and growing debt.

He urged the government to show empathy and make decisions that support struggling entrepreneurs, especially during such challenging times.

“These shop owners have already endured prolonged closures, mounting unpaid bills, and economic strain. Adding further burdens to them and their families at this time is simply unjust,” Obi added.

Reiterating his earlier position, Obi said, “Let us prioritise compassion, economic recovery, and the survival of our small businesses at this critical time in our nation.”

He appealed to the authorities once more, saying, “Please review and drop this charge. Allow these businesses to reopen. Compassion must lie at the root of government action.”

KanyiDaily recalls that the NAFDAC recently disposed of fake, expired, and substandard products valued at ₦1.3 billion in Abuja.