Peter Obi restates criticism of total closure of Onitsha, other markets

Peter Obi restates criticism of total closure of Onitsha, other markets

*Peter Obi

Former Governor of Anambra State and Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has reiterated his call for the immediate reopening of markets that were not involved in illegal drug trading.

While making the call in a statement on his verified X handle on Tuesday, Obi emphasised the importance of protecting small businesses as a vital component of Nigeria’s economy.

“I have noted the mixed reactions—both positive and negative—to my call for the immediate reopening of markets that were not involved in illegal drug trading. Once again, this situation highlights why we continue to experience economic stagnation and unproductivity in our nation”, Obi stated.

He criticised what he described as uninformed decision-making by those in leadership, arguing that a lack of understanding about micro, small, and medium enterprises often leads to policies that stifle economic growth rather than support it. Here is the full statement for the record:

I have noted the mixed reactions- both positive and negative to my call for the immediate reopening of markets that were not involved in illegal drug trading. 

Once again, this situation highlights why we continue to experience economic stagnation, and unproductivity in our nation.

When those who have never built or managed businesses – who do not understand how micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) operate – are in charge, they take actions that cripple legitimate businesses and stifle economic growth. 

This is how we have continued to decline – where governance disregards the realities of everyday Nigerians.

The earlier we embrace the fact that small-scale businesses are a critical part of the economy, the better for us as a developing nation.

During my recent visit to Indonesia, I engaged with the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and policymakers. They clearly demonstrated how Indonesia MSMES provides over 90% of the employment. 

The Indonesian government provides committed support to ensure these MSME businesses thrive, offering access to reduced funding while ensuring that those who violate the law are duly persecuted and punished.

During my tenure as Governor, Anambra State was the first to seek a partnership with the Bank of Industry to secure special loans for MSMEs. A dedicated committee was set up to ensure that the loans reached those who truly needed them. We also facilitated the establishment of a Bank of Industry branch in Anambra to enhance access to funding.

When many states were banning motorcycle riders, a.k.a okada riders operations, on allegations that they were involved in criminal activities, I refused to follow suit because I understood the economic implications for small businesses. Instead, I intensified efforts to enhance their operations, creating an environment where small businesses could thrive while collaborating with their unions, and security agencies to weed out the bad actors.

Similarly, I ensured that certain categories of small businesses, such as wheelbarrow pushers, were exempted from paying taxes to ease their financial burden.

Today, entire markets are being shut down because of the actions of a few.

You do not cripple an Ogbo Ogwo market and surrounding markets for several days in the name of enforcement. 

These are people struggling to survive in an already difficult economic environment, yet instead of providing solutions, the government is shutting down markets indiscriminately. This is not governance; it is economic sabotage. 

Small businesses must be protected—not destroyed—if we truly want to build a productive nation.

I respectfully appeal once again that businesses not involved in the sale of fake drugs should not be shut down due to the huge implications of closing businesses that depend on daily profits to survive. A one-month closure will cripple many of them. We have witnessed similar situations in the past, where businesses reopened only to find that goods with short shelf lives had expired, resulting in huge losses.

Additionally, I like to advise that shop owners should be present before any searches are conducted on their premises to ensure transparency and fairness.

A new Nigeria is very POssible. -PO