posted 27th May 2025
Shop Owners Face £700,000 Fee to Reopen Stalls at Onitsha Head Bridge Market, Sparking Outrage
Onitsha, Nigeria – 27 May 2025 – Small business owners at the Head Bridge Market in Onitsha are reeling from a directive by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) requiring them to pay ₦700,000 to reopen their shops, which have been shuttered as part of an investigation into counterfeit goods and fake drugs. The announcement has drawn sharp criticism from former presidential candidate Peter Obi, who has labelled the move as “insensitive” and “economic sabotage.”
In a statement shared on X, Obi recounted his earlier support for the market’s closure during its initial phase, standing alongside authorities to rid the market of illicit goods. However, he expressed dismay at the prolonged closure and the new financial burden imposed on traders. “It is deeply unfortunate to learn that shop owners are now being asked to pay ₦700,000 to reopen their stores,” Obi wrote, highlighting the economic hardship already faced by small business owners amidst Nigeria’s ongoing economic challenges.
The Head Bridge Market, a vital hub for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Anambra State, has been closed for investigations, leaving traders grappling with unpaid bills and mounting financial strain. Obi noted that over 7 million MSMEs have collapsed in Nigeria over the past two years, with surviving businesses struggling to stay afloat. “Our MSMEs 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’s statement has resonated with many Nigerians, who see the ₦700,000 fee as an additional blow to an already struggling sector. He urged the authorities to reconsider the charge, arguing that compassion and economic recovery should guide government action. “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,” he added.
The controversy has sparked broader concerns about the government’s approach to supporting small businesses, which are often described as the backbone of Nigeria’s economy. Critics argue that such policies risk further eroding trust in institutions and exacerbating economic inequality.
NAFDAC has yet to issue an official response to the backlash, but pressure is mounting for the agency to review its decision. As the situation unfolds, traders and advocates alike are calling for swift action to reopen the market and alleviate the financial strain on shop owners.
