Amanze Chinonye
Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has ordered the closure of the Onitsha Main Market for one week following traders’ continued observance of the Monday sit-at-home, in defiance of the state government’s directive to resume normal business activities, Prime Business Africa reports.
The order was issued on Monday after the governor conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the market and found the majority of shops locked, despite repeated warnings by the government that all markets and businesses must operate on Mondays.
Following the directive, security operatives sealed the market, effectively enforcing the shutdown, which the government said would last for seven days in the first instance.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelGovernor Soludo described the continued closure of markets on Mondays as economic sabotage, stressing that there is no lawful basis for the sit-at-home practice. He maintained that Anambra State would not allow fear or intimidation to cripple its economy.
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The governor warned that failure by traders to comply after the one-week closure could result in a longer shutdown, potentially extending to one month, insisting that traders must either conduct business in line with government policy or vacate the market.
The state government has repeatedly emphasized that markets are expected to operate from Monday to Friday, as part of efforts to restore full economic activities across the state.
In addition to market closures, the Anambra State Government has also cautioned that civil servants who fail to report for duty on Mondays risk salary sanctions, reinforcing its resolve to end the sit-at-home culture. Officials argue that security conditions in the state have improved significantly and no longer justify the weekly shutdown of public and private activities.
Onitsha Main Market is regarded as one of the largest commercial centres in West Africa, serving traders and suppliers from across Nigeria and beyond.
The closure is expected to disrupt supply chains and affect livelihoods if prolonged. While some traders support the government’s hardline stance as necessary to restore normalcy, others say fear of possible attacks and past incidents linked to sit-at-home enforcement has continued to discourage full compliance.
The sit-at-home practice, which began in 2021 amid separatist agitation in the South-East, has persisted despite repeated announcements by authorities that it has been cancelled.
Over the years, it has significantly affected businesses, schools, transportation, and government services in the region.
With the one-week shutdown now in effect, attention is focused on whether traders will resume full operations when the market is reopened, or whether the standoff between economic survival and security concerns will deepen further.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
