The Anambra State Government has ordered traders in 12 more markets to fully resume business activities on Mondays, warning that failure to comply could attract temporary market closures and legal sanctions.
This decision follows the recent shutdown of Onitsha Main Market, which was sealed for one week after traders defied the government’s directive to open on Mondays—an action authorities say negatively affected the state’s economy.
The affected markets include Ochanja Central Market and Bridgehead Market in Onitsha, Ogbaru Main Market, Building Materials Market in Ogidi, multiple auto spare parts markets in Nnewi, Nkpor Main Market, Obosi Motor Spare Parts Market, and the Electrical Dealers International Market in Obosi.
The directive was communicated through an official circular titled “Abolition of Monday Sit-at-Home”, signed by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Trade and Markets, Chief Evarist Uba, and addressed to leaders of the Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA).
Market leaders have been instructed to ensure traders open their shops every Monday in line with Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s executive order aimed at restoring normal economic activities. Government monitoring teams will carry out spot checks, and any market found violating the order risks being shut for up to one month.
The circular also warned that individual shops found closed on Mondays may be sealed, with owners facing possible legal action.
Meanwhile, Governor Soludo is scheduled to meet with market leaders on Thursday, January 29, at the International Convention Centre, Awka, to further discuss market operations and the sit-at-home directive.
Attendees are expected to include market chairmen, secretaries, zonal leaders, and line chairpersons across the state.
Government officials clarified that the meeting was convened following appeals from market leaders seeking the reopening of Onitsha Main Market, not as a response to Tuesday’s protest. Security is expected to be tight during the meeting to maintain order.