Labour Party's 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has strongly condemned the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for demanding N700,000 from traders at Onitsha Head Bridge Market in Anambra State as a condition for reopening their shops.

In a statement posted on his X handle on Tuesday, Obi urged relevant authorities to review and drop the charges against the market traders who have already endured prolonged closures and economic strain.

"It is deeply unfortunate to learn that shop owners are now being asked to pay N700,000 to reopen their stores," Obi stated. "Already, over 7 million Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises have collapsed in the past two years in Nigeria. Our MSMEs are at a 'we can't breathe' stage, and the very system that should be offering them oxygen is instead suffocating them."

NAFDAC had closed the market in April after labeling it the headquarters for distribution of substandard and fake pharmaceuticals in Nigeria and across African sub-regions. The agency recently announced conditions for reopening, which include the controversial payment.

The former Anambra State governor acknowledged supporting the initial closure to combat fake drugs but expressed disappointment that investigations were not carried out swiftly to allow for prompt reopening.

"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," Obi explained. "I did so with the hope that investigations would be carried out swiftly, and the market would be reopened promptly."

Obi had previously questioned the closure of neighboring markets not involved in pharmaceutical sales, describing it as excessive and unjustified. He emphasized that compassion must be at the root of government action, especially considering the current national economic challenges facing small business owners.

"The level of insensitivity is both disturbing and uncaring," he added, calling for prioritization of compassion, economic recovery, and the survival of small businesses in the country.

NAFDAC has yet to respond to Obi's criticism regarding the payment requirement for reopening the market.