Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi has reiterated his call. He advocates for the immediate reopening of markets not involved in illegal drug trading. Obi emphasized the importance of protecting small businesses, citing them as a vital component of Nigeria’s economy.
Obi criticized uninformed decision-making by leaders, arguing that it leads to policies stifling economic growth. He recalled his visit to Indonesia. He highlighted the country’s support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This support serves as a model for Nigeria.
During his tenure as governor, Obi secured special loans for MSMEs and exempted certain small businesses from taxes. He urged the government to reconsider its approach. He advised them to differentiate between businesses engaging in illegal activities and those that don’t. Searches should be conducted with transparency and fairness.
Obi lamented the indiscriminate closure of markets, arguing that it worsens economic difficulties for struggling business owners. He emphasized that small businesses must be protected, not destroyed, to build a productive nation.