Professor Chukwuma Soludo, the governor of Anambra State, has ordered the closure of the Onitsha Main Market for one week after traders failed to comply with the state government’s direction to disobey the Monday sit-at-home order.
The governor issued the decision on Monday during an on-site visit to the market with some of his advisers and other government officials.
Soludo warned that if traders did not follow the directive, the shutdown may be extended, and that security services had sealed the market to implement the order.
On Monday, the governor described the development as the latest—and possibly most drastic—salvo in a long-running war for control of the Southeast’s economy.
Soludo stated that despite repeated guarantees of increased security and calls to reclaim public areas, many sellers at the iconic market preferred to keep their stalls locked.
According to him, their absence constituted a subtle rebellion that spoke volumes about the pervasive anxiety.
Soludo said, “The government cannot stand by while a few individuals willfully undermine public safety and disregard official directives meant to restore normalcy. This is plain economic sabotage.
“We are not going to allow this. The closure is a protective measure for law-abiding citizens.”
He, however, issued a stern warning that if the market fails to reopen after the one-week shutdown, it will be sealed for one month.
“You either decide that you are going to trade here or you go elsewhere. I am very serious about this,” the governor added.
On Monday, the scene at the market was tense, with a joint task force of police, army, and other security services securing the perimeter.
As the gates stay sealed this week, the impasse in Onitsha highlights the larger effort to end the Monday sit-at-home day.
When the market reopens next Monday, all eyes will be on the traders—whether they return to their stalls after the state’s show of force, or whether empty aisles convey a different result.
The outcome could influence not only the market’s fate but also the rhythm of Anambra State’s economic life on Mondays.
Chronicle NG had reported on Saturday that the Anambra State Government would begin pro-rata salary payments for workers across the state as part of efforts to end the Monday sit-at-home.
Dr. Law Mefor, the state Commissioner for Information, told journalists in Awka that starting in February 2026, civil servants’ salaries would be paid based on their attendance on Mondays.
Mefor stated that the decision was made during the Anambra State Executive Council’s end-of-tenure conference in Awka, which reviewed the administration’s activities over its final four-year term and defined priorities for the new term commencing March 17, 2026.
