Peter Obi Slams NAFDAC Over ₦700,000 Shop Reopening Fee in Onitsha

Labour Party presidential candidate and former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, has publicly criticized the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) over a reported ₦700,000 fee imposed on shop owners in Onitsha for the reopening of their businesses. The move, according to Obi, is unfair and burdensome, especially for small-scale traders trying to recover in the face of ongoing economic difficulties.

Obi voiced his concerns during a recent visit to the Bridgehead Market in Onitsha, where he met with traders affected by the shop closures. He described the fee as excessive and “an insensitive approach to regulatory enforcement,” adding that government agencies must balance their oversight roles with compassion and a realistic understanding of citizens’ struggles.

He emphasized that most of the affected shops are run by small business owners involved in the sale of pharmaceutical and medical products. Many of them, he noted, are still grappling with the impacts of inflation and past disruptions. “Imposing such a heavy financial demand on these struggling traders could lead to business closures and worsen the region’s economic hardship,” Obi warned.

While recognizing the importance of regulatory standards, Obi urged NAFDAC to rethink its approach and show more empathy toward small businesses. He called on the federal government to implement policies that protect and uplift entrepreneurs, especially in commercial centers like Onitsha.

Obi also listened to the grievances of several traders who said the closures came without warning and that they were unaware of the hefty reopening cost. Many expressed confusion over the criteria for compliance, further fueling frustration within the business community.

Obi’s comments underscore growing concern over how regulatory practices are impacting everyday Nigerians, particularly those running small enterprises.