The Anambra State Government has formally abolished the long-standing Monday sit-at-home practice, warning that civil servants who fail to report to work on Mondays risk losing a significant
portion—or all—of their salaries.
The directive, which takes immediate effect, was announced in an official statement issued by the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board and signed by its Board Secretary, Loveline Mgbemena.
The statement said the decision followed deliberations at the state executive council retreat held on January 21, 2026, under the leadership of Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
According to the government, all public sector workers, including teaching and non-teaching staff, are expected to resume full duties on Mondays.
Any worker who stays away from school or office in defiance of the order will either be paid only 20 per cent of their monthly salary or forfeit their pay entirely.
Heads of departments and institutions were instructed to circulate the directive widely and ensure strict compliance, stressing that the decision reflects the executive position of the state government and is not optional.
The Monday sit-at-home has, for several years, disrupted economic and social life across much of Anambra State.
Originally enforced by non-state actors in the South-East, the practice led to widespread fear, forcing residents to remain indoors at the start of the workweek.
Markets, schools, banks, and transport services were routinely shut, particularly in major commercial centres such as Onitsha.
Business groups, transport unions, and education stakeholders have long complained that the weekly shutdown severely weakened productivity, cut incomes, and slowed economic growth.
Lawmakers and community leaders repeatedly warned that the continued closure of businesses was damaging the state’s economy and discouraging investment.
Governor Soludo has consistently opposed the sit-at-home, arguing that it undermines development and public confidence.
In April 2022, shortly after assuming office, he publicly declared an end to the practice and announced amnesty initiatives aimed at restoring peace and encouraging youths to abandon violence.
He also pledged dialogue and reconciliation efforts to address lingering security concerns.
In recent months, the governor has maintained that security conditions in the state have improved significantly, insisting that residents who still observe Mondays at home do so largely out of habit or caution rather than real threats.
He has repeatedly urged traders, workers, and students to return to normal routines and take advantage of the improved security environment.
Despite these assurances, pockets of compliance with the sit-at-home have persisted.
The latest directive, backed by salary sanctions, appears to be the government’s strongest move yet to enforce full resumption of economic and administrative activities on Mondays.
State officials said the measure is aimed at restoring productivity, strengthening public confidence, and reviving economic life across Anambra, while reinforcing the government’s authority over public order and workplace discipline.
