Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, on Monday ordered the closure of the Onitsha Main Market for one week following traders’ failure to open their shops in defiance of the state government’s directive against the Monday sit-at-home.
The governor gave the order during an on-the-spot assessment of the market, accompanied by top government officials and security operatives.
Soludo warned that the shutdown could be extended if traders continued to disregard the directive, adding that security agencies had been deployed to seal the market and ensure full compliance.
He expressed displeasure that despite repeated assurances of improved security and calls on residents to resume normal economic activities, many traders once again kept their shops locked.
According to the governor, the continued closure of the market reflected a lingering atmosphere of fear and amounted to deliberate economic sabotage.
“The government cannot fold its arms while a few people undermine public order and official efforts to restore normalcy. This is unacceptable,” Soludo said, describing the action as a protective step for law-abiding citizens.
He further warned that the market would be shut for one month if traders failed to return after the one-week closure, stressing that the state would no longer tolerate defiance of its directives.
Security presence was heavy around the market, with a joint task force of police, soldiers and other security agencies seen enforcing the closure.
The development has renewed focus on the state government’s resolve to end the Monday sit-at-home, which has continued to disrupt economic activities across the South-East.
The reopening of the market next Monday is expected to test traders’ willingness to comply, a move observers say could shape the future of commercial activities in Anambra on Mondays.
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Government had earlier announced plans to introduce pro-rata salary payments for civil servants as part of measures to curb the sit-at-home.
The Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, said from February 2026, workers’ salaries would be tied to attendance on Mondays, in a bid to encourage full resumption of official duties across the state.