Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has condemned the continued closure of Onitsha Head Bridge Market which was sealed by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for the sake of fake drugs.

In a statement, Obi lamented that the traders were being asked to pay N700,000 each before their stores could be reopened.

This was as he pointed out hat such an action could add to the already collapsed seven million micro and medium scale enterprises in the country

He said, "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.

"Already, over 7 million Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) have collapsed in the past two years in Nigeria. 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.

"Surely, I am 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.

"I want to appeal again to the relevant authorities: please review and drop this charge. Allow these businesses to reopen.

"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."