Illegal structures at the Onitsha Main Market are being demolished, according to the Onitsha North Local Government Council, in a bid to restore the original master plan and enhance trading in the commercial center.
Anambra State New Media revealed this in a post on Sunday, claiming that the market was where the crackdown had started.
“Crackdown: Onitsha North LGA begins demolition of illegal structures at Onitsha Main Market. Occupants were duly notified. The mission is to reclaim the original master plan and restore order for seamless ‘trade and shop’ activities,” the post read.
The development follows an earlier notification given by the council through the Office of the Mayor on February 26 informing impacted traders and inhabitants of the proposed demolition.
In a statement signed by Hon. Anthony Nwora, Chairman of Onitsha North Local Government, the council informed owners and occupants of unlawful buildings in Parks 1, 2, and 3 of Main Market, Onitsha, that the grace period had ended.
The notice, titled “Final Reminder on Demolition of Illegal Structures at Main Market, Onitsha,” stated that an initial 14-day notice had been given to the affected occupants, which expired on February 14, 2026.
According to the council, the deadline was extended by another 14 days at the residents’ request, with the new expiration date set for February 28, 2026.
“The owners/occupants of all the illegal structures located at Park 1, Park 2, and Park 3 of Main Market, Onitsha, are hereby reminded that after the 14 days earlier notice of demolition of the illegal structures given to them, which expired on 14th February 2026, was extended based on their request by another 14 days, which will expire on 28th February 2026, the Onitsha North Local Government will carry out the demolition of the illegal structures anytime from Sunday, 1st March 2026,” the statement read.
The council also advised affected traders to evacuate their belongings ahead of the enforcement.
“All those who still have any valuables in those structures are advised to remove all such items before Sunday, 1st March 2026,” the notice added.
According to the council, the deadline was extended by another 14 days at the residents’ request, with the new expiration date set for February 28, 2026.
