Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has ordered the immediate closure of Onitsha Main Market for seven days after traders refused to resume business on Mondays, despite repeated government directives.
The move follows the official abolition of the long-standing ‘sit-at-home’ practice, aimed at restoring normal economic activities across the state.
The directive came after an unannounced inspection of the market on Monday, during which Governor Soludo observed that most shops remained shuttered.
The closure was enforced by security personnel, including police and army units, who were deployed to ensure compliance. The governor warned that the shutdown could be extended if traders continue to defy the order.
The Monday sit-at-home, originally declared by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in protest against the detention of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has been officially scrapped by the state government.
Authorities say ending the practice is essential to stabilise trade, safeguard public security, and guarantee that Mondays function as regular business days throughout Anambra.
“This action is necessary to protect law-abiding citizens and maintain economic normalcy,” Soludo said.
“We cannot allow a few individuals to undermine public safety and the legitimate functioning of our markets. This closure is a protective measure, not a punishment, but non-compliance will not be tolerated,” the governor added.
Soludo stressed that similar sanctions would apply to other markets, public institutions, and schools that fail to comply.
Civil servants who neglect the directive risk having their salaries adjusted pro-rata.
The state government had earlier announced that, starting February 2026, civil servants’ salaries would reflect attendance on Mondays. This decision was made during the end-of-tenure retreat of the Anambra State Executive Council, which reviewed the outgoing administration’s achievements and outlined priorities for the new term beginning March 17, 2026.
The enforcement at Onitsha Main Market comes after years of economic disruption linked to repeated sit-at-home orders in the South-East. These disruptions have affected trade, education, and public services, as many traders continued observing the order despite public appeals and assurances of enhanced security.
