Peter Obi Wades In As NAFDAC Allegedly Demands N700K To Reopen Onitsha Market, “We Can’t Breathe”
- Peter Obi has lashed out at the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) over the closure of Onitsha Head Bridge Market
- Obi said it is insensitivity is both disturbing and uncaring for NAFDAC to allegedly ask for N700,000 to reopen the market
- According to the former Anambra state governor, any burden on the traders at this time is simply unjust and an economic sabotage
Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues
Onitsha, Anambra state - Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in 2023, Peter Obi has appealed to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to allow businesses to reopen the Onitsha Head Bridge Market in Anambra state over fake drugs and counterfeit goods.
Obi said it is unfortunate that shop owners are now being asked to pay ₦700,000 to reopen their stores.
Source: UGC
“I want to appeal again to the relevant authorities: please review and drop this charge. Allow these businesses to reopen.”
He stated this in a post shared via his X handle @PeterObi on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
The former Anambra governor said most MSME businesses in Nigeria are at a “we can’t breathe” stage.
He alleged that the very system that should be offering them oxygen to support their breathing is instead suffocating them.
He, however, declared his support of the authorities to ensure our society is free from fake drugs and counterfeit goods
“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.”
“This level of insensitivity is both disturbing and uncaring. Let us prioritize compassion, economic recovery, and the survival of our small businesses at this critical time in our nation”
"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 and an economic sabotage.
"Compassion must lie at the root of government action.
Source: Facebook
NAFDAC takes action against VeryDarkMan for inciting traders
Recall that NAFDAC accused social media influencer Very Dark Man (VDM) of inciting Onitsha traders to defy regulatory directives following recent drug market raids.
The agency seized banned and substandard narcotics worth over one trillion Naira during raids in Onitsha, Idumota, and Aba, highlighting serious safety violations.
Despite progress, some traders resist compliance, allegedly collaborating with influencers like VDM; NAFDAC urges law enforcement action and public support to fight counterfeit drugs.
NAFDAC confirms full list of banned items
Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that an Abeokuta-based association, MAPAMA, hailed NAFDAC for banning the production of alcohol in sachets and pet bottles below 200 millimetres.
Legit.ng recalls that on February 1, NAFDAC commenced the enforcement of the ban on alcoholic beverages in sachets, PET, and glass bottles of 200ml and below.
Reacting to the development, MAPAMA, in a statement sent to Legit.ng, said it is a step in the right direction.
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Source: Legit.ng
