By Peter Omopo
Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has ordered the immediate closure of Onitsha Main Market for one week following traders’ failure to comply with the state government’s directive mandating full business activities on Mondays.
The decision came after the governor’s unscheduled visit to the market on Monday, during which he observed that a large number of shops remained closed, despite repeated warnings by the government against the continued observance of the Monday sit-at-home practice.
The sit-at-home order, which was initially linked to security concerns and separatist agitations in the South-East, has since been officially abolished by the Anambra State Government as part of broader efforts to restore normalcy, boost economic activities, and improve security across the state.
Governor Soludo had earlier warned that any market, shop, or commercial plaza found violating the directive would be sealed for one week. The warning was enforced at Onitsha Main Market, one of the largest and most economically important markets in Nigeria.
As a result, all trading activities in the market will remain suspended for seven days.
The state government said the closure is intended to send a strong signal to deter continued compliance with the sit-at-home order, which has significantly affected commercial activities and livelihoods in the region.
Reaffirming his administration’s position, Governor Soludo stressed that Mondays must remain normal working days across Anambra State. He warned that similar sanctions would be imposed on other defaulting markets, schools, and public institutions.
The governor also cautioned that civil servants who fail to report for duty on Mondays risk salary deductions.
The Monday sit-at-home directive was initially declared by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in protest against the continued detention of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
