Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State, and presidential candidate for labour party has called for the immediate reopening of markets that were not involved in illegal drug trading in Anambra State.
This comes after the recent actions of The National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control and its enforcement at the popular Ogbo-Ogu Market, Bridge Head, Onitsha, in Anambra State where certain markets and shops were shut down.
Obi expressed concern over the negative impact on legitimate businesses, emphasizing that such measures risk crippling small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) which are critical to Nigeria’s economic development.
Obi, who has long been an advocate for the growth of MSMEs, explained that the closure of markets without clear differentiation between legal and illegal businesses leads to economic stagnation. He argued that those in governance often lack a clear understanding of the realities faced by micro, small, and medium enterprises, which results in decisions that harm rather than support the economy.
” 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.
READ MORE: https://parallelfactsnews.com/im-receiving-treatment-at-hospital-portable/
“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.
Recalling his time as Governor of Anambra State, Obi shared his efforts to secure special loans for MSMEs, in partnership with the Bank of Industry, and the establishment of a dedicated Bank of Industry branch in Anambra.
He also pointed out his refusal to follow other states in banning Okada riders, understanding the economic impact on small businesses. Instead, Obi worked to create an environment that allowed for small businesses to grow while collaborating with unions and security agencies to eliminate criminal activities within the sector.
Obi said, ” 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.
Obi criticized the government’s recent actions, particularly the closure of entire markets, describing such moves as economic sabotage. He urged the government to consider the significant consequences these closures have on businesses that rely on daily profits to survive. He also highlighted the issue of goods with short shelf lives being wasted due to forced closures.
He continued, “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.”
Follow the Parallel Facts channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCQSAoHgZWiDjR3Kn2E
