Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has ordered the closure of the Onitsha Main Market for one week after traders ignored the state government’s directive to resume business activities on Mondays.
The decision, announced on Monday, immediately shut down the bustling commercial centre, which ranks among the largest markets in West Africa.
According to the state government, the closure followed repeated warnings to traders to disregard the weekly sit-at-home order and return to normal trading. However, many shop owners reportedly stayed away from their stalls, defying official instructions.
Earlier, the Anambra State Government had directed markets, banks, and businesses to operate fully on Mondays. The order formed part of broader efforts to revive the state’s economy and stop the heavy losses caused by the recurring sit-at-home shutdowns.
However, compliance has remained low, especially in major commercial centres like Onitsha.
As a result, the government decided to take what officials described as a firm but necessary step to enforce its policy and send a clear message.
Onitsha Main Market serves as a critical trading hub for Anambra and neighbouring states. Every closure, even for a day, affects thousands of traders and disrupts supply chains across the South-East and beyond.
Yet, the Soludo administration insists that long-term economic stability requires traders to operate without fear and resist actions that cripple commerce.
According to government sources, the one-week shutdown aims to reset compliance and encourage traders to return to business under full state protection.
Beyond the immediate closure, the move signals the government’s growing impatience with continued economic paralysis linked to the sit-at-home practice.
While acknowledging security concerns, the state government maintains that economic shutdowns worsen hardship and undermine livelihoods.
For now, all eyes remain on Onitsha as traders weigh the cost of resistance against the reality of prolonged closures.
