Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has ordered the immediate closure of the Onitsha Main Market for one week following traders’ continued observance of the Monday sit‑at‑home directive despite repeated government directives to resume full commercial activities.
The directive was issued on Monday, January 26, 2026, during an unscheduled inspection of the iconic market in Onitsha, one of West Africa’s largest commercial hubs. The governor found a majority of shops still locked in defiance of the state’s order that markets and businesses should operate normally from Monday to Friday.
Market Shutdown Enforced
Governor Soludo directed that the entire market and adjoining trading zones be sealed off immediately, with security operatives, including police, army personnel, and other agencies, deployed to enforce the order and secure the perimeter.
“This whole main market … will be locked down for the whole of this week,” the governor said, warning that non‑compliance would lead to stiffer sanctions. He stated that if shops remain closed by next Monday, authorities will extend the closure to one month.
The governor emphasised that traders must choose between doing business under government regulations or relocating elsewhere, reiterating that Anambra is open to everyone who complies with lawful directives.
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Background: Monday Sit‑At‑Home
The Monday sit‑at‑home practice has been observed periodically in parts of Nigeria’s South‑East since 2021, originally linked to protests by separatist groups aiming to press for the release of detained leaders.
Authorities in Anambra had earlier announced the abolition of the order and urged residents and traders to resume normal activities.
Despite these appeals and improved security conditions in the state, many traders continued to close their shops on Mondays prompting the government’s firm response.
Government’s Justification and Next Steps
Soludo described the practice as “economic sabotage” that undermines efforts to restore normalcy and reinvigorate the state’s economy. The closure is aimed at sending a strong message about compliance, public safety, and the rule of law.
In related policy moves, the Anambra State Government has announced plans to introduce pro‑rata salary payments for civil servants, tying pay to Monday attendance starting February 2026 another strategy intended to discourage continued observance of the sit‑at‑home.
Implications for Traders and the Economy
The one‑week shutdown is expected to impact traders, customers, and supply chains, raising concerns about livelihoods if the closure is prolonged.
Market leaders and stakeholders will be watching closely whether full business activities resume when the market is scheduled to reopen next Monday.
“Soludo Orders One‑Week Closure of Onitsha Main Market Over Sit‑At‑Home Defiance”
Anambra Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has ordered the immediate shutdown of Onitsha Main Market for one week after traders defied directives to operate on Mondays, in a bid to end the disruptive sit‑at‑home practice.
Security officers have sealed the market, with warnings of even longer closures if compliance is not met.
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Image Credit : Nairametrics
Source : Nairametrics
