Onitsha Traders Groan as Markets Remain Under Lock
Traders in Onitsha are currently battling losses occasioned by the continuous shutdown of six major markets in the area by security operatives for more than two weeks now.
Nigerian security operatives had taken over the markets and locked up every shop under the guise of clamping down on fake and expired drug dealers.
The affected markets include Onitsha Drug Market, Oduwani (Power Tools and Allied) Market, Surgical Line Market, Plumbing Materials Market, Ogbogwu Fashion Line Market, the Bridgehead Provision Market, and part of the Timber Dealers Market.
The development came after the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) was said to have contacted military personnel for its recent operation against drug dealers.
Some traders at the Head Bridge Market expressed their frustrations, stating that government agencies have refused to allow lawful businesses to resume.
They also frowned at the approach adopted by NAFDAC in fighting against drug counterfeiting, lamenting the negative impacts the closure has had on them.
One of the traders, Micheal Okoh, said he was not finding it easy any longer. According to him, no time was given to them to prepare for the current situation.
The trader expressed support for the government’s effort in curbing the flow of illicit drugs. However, he urged that the exercise be done with urgency to allow traders to return to their businesses.
“They took us unaware. Some people even had cash in their drawers. There are those who solely rely on what they get daily to feed their families. They didn’t give us time to prepare for this situation.
“I support the government’s efforts in fighting substandard and fake drugs. If there are illicit drugs, let them confiscate and evacuate those ones.
“But then, let them do the exercise as fast as possible so that people can resume seeking their source of livelihood,” he said.
A market union executive at the Head Bridge Drug Market suggested that the market was being unfairly targeted by the government agency.
“We have a meeting today (Tuesday) by 4 pm. We heard that NAFDAC has extended the shutting down of the market. Although other markets in Aba and Lagos are witnessing the same thing, it seems that Onitsha is their main target.
“The challenge we are having now is that the Chairman of our market trade union is working based on acting capacity, so he’s not following up the matter as he should.
“The Governor too has not visited the market. He sent one of his commissioners, but he was turned back. The same with the Local Government Chairman. It’s only Mr. Peter Obi and Senator Tony Nwonye who have visited the traders.
“As it stands now, nobody knows the quantity of goods that have been taken away from the market. They are breaking into people’s stores in their absence and carting away goods.
“Moreover, I have millions of naira in my shop, and I am worried about it. If someone breaks into your shop and makes away with it, how will you know the person?”
Meanwhile, former presidential candidate and ex-governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, had earlier questioned the rationale behind the continuous closure of the markets.
Obi expressed concern that shutting down other neighboring markets not involved, in addition to the popular drug market, seems excessive and unjustified.
He appealed for the immediate reopening of the markets, insisting that their continued closure is severely affecting the livelihoods of millions.
“The entire Head Bridge Market in Onitsha has been closed by regulatory and security agencies due to suspected trading in illegal drugs within one section of the market known as Ogbo Ogwu.
“Shutting down other neighboring markets not involved, in addition to Ogbo Ogwu Market—such as Rod, Allied and Tools, Plumbing Materials, Timber, Surgical, and Provision Markets—seems excessive and unjustified.
“I, therefore, appeal for their immediate reopening, as their continued closure is severely affecting the livelihoods of millions, especially during this difficult period in our country.
“Furthermore, the search should be conducted transparently, with store owners present while their shops are inspected, and items removed by law and due process,” Obi stated.
